Some studies have estimated that across the country, 250,000 patients die because of medical errors each year.
If these numbers were universally accepted, it would make medical malpractice a leading cause of death in this country, ranking up with cancer and heart disease.
But others have called these numbers in to question, saying that the studies that produced them had some flaws. One analysis from recent years suggested that the number of annual deaths directly related to medical malpractice is closer to 22,000.
The analysis also pointed out that of the 22,000 people who died, around 2 out of 3 of them were expected only to live 3 additional months but for the alleged medical malpractice.
The number of “healthy” people who died because of medical malpractice was around 7,150.
Statistical findings are often the subject of controversy. There is always some question about whether a survey or analysis used methods most likely to yield an accurate result.
Moreover, even those in favor of the lower numbers of medical malpractice deaths still acknowledge that the medical profession could improve, and perhaps for good reasons.
To give these medical malpractice statistics context, an estimated 29,135 people died in traffic accidents during the first nine months of 2024.
A medical malpractice annual death toll of 22,000 is not as high as the estimated death toll from traffic accidents, but it is not small change either. Just like car accidents, society should see medical malpractice as a serious safety issue.
Family members of medical malpractice victims have legal options
Oregon families who have lost a loved one because of poor medical care have legal options. The emotional loss and financial loss because of an untimely and unnecessary death can be devastating. Loved ones should be able to recover compensation for their losses from negligent medical professionals through a wrongful death case.