The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), a computer database operated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, recently issued its annual report that not only summarized medical malpractice payouts throughout the United States but other medical malpractice case trends as well. The report indicates that medical malpractice payout amounts in the United States are increasing annually.
The NPDB’s annual report of medical malpractice payouts analyzes medical malpractice claims from 2004 through 2018, indicating important national trends. The payouts in the report’s 14-year term were generated by settlement 96.5% of the time and by court judgment only 3.5%. Therefore, a medical malpractice attorney well-seasoned and knowledgeable in settling medical negligence claims is invaluable when medical negligence occurs. Powell Law’s attorneys possess this level of experience and expertise.
The first part of this blog examined some statistical trends regarding medical malpractice payout amounts. The second part of this blog will briefly examine the types of medical errors that were the source of malpractice claims, as well as the types of injuries that occurred as a result.
A study of claims in the United States between 1992 and 2014 found that misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and treatment-related mistakes were the underlying causes of most claims. In 2018, this trend continued as the top three types of medical errors were as follows:
The top three injuries or damages caused by these claims were as follows:
An interesting finding is that the payouts for malpractice claims that allegedly caused death and averaged approximately $386,317 per person, were not as high as brain damage claims, which resulted in the highest average payments of $961,185.
In 1906, over a century ago, James Powell, Sr. founded a law firm to serve the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania, mainly the burgeoning towns of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Today, Powell Law serves a far greater metropolitan area with offices in Scranton, Stroudsburg, Moscow, and Taylor. Powell Law offers experienced and effective legal representation in personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, workers’ compensation, disability, and criminal law cases.
Attorneys must have the ability and expertise to analyze all legal and technical issues of a medical malpractice case. If you or a loved one has suffered any injury, contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. Our decades of experience make us the preferred choice for representation in personal injury and medical malpractice matters in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. Our attorneys, past and present, have represented victims for 113 years. The consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Call today.
