Why Medical Malpractice Needs More Attention
A Leading Cause of Death in America
Not many people know that medical errors rank among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Various studies estimate that preventable mistakes in healthcare settings contribute to anywhere from 250,000 to 450,000 deaths annually, placing medical malpractice just behind cancer and heart disease.
Patient death is only part of the picture. Millions more suffer serious injuries, prolonged illnesses, or permanent disability due to medical mistakes that were entirely avoidable. Such outcomes not only devastate patients but also harm entire families and erode public trust in healthcare providers.
The Hidden Epidemic
Medical malpractice is often underreported. Unlike diseases with clear diagnostic codes, deaths from medical error typically don’t get labeled as such on death certificates. Hospitals may fail to report errors due to fear of liability, and there’s no consistent nationwide tracking system for malpractice incidents. As a result, the real scope of the problem likely exceeds even the highest estimates.
Where & How Medical Malpractice Happens
Certain environments and types of care are especially prone to medical errors, often due to high complexity, fast-paced decision-making, and overlapping responsibilities among medical teams.
Common categories of medical malpractice include:
- Diagnostic mistakes: Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or a total failure to diagnose are among the most frequent sources of malpractice claims. Diagnosis mistakes can arise from a clinician dismissing symptoms, skipping critical tests, or misreading results.
- Surgical errors: Stories of wrong-site surgeries or surgical instruments left inside patients may sound sensational, but they happen more often than most realize. Surgical malpractice also includes anesthesia errors and poor post-operative care that lead to complications or infections.
- Medication errors: Prescribing the wrong medication, miscalculating dosages, neglecting drug allergies, or administering the incorrect drug are all serious lapses that can cause lasting harm.
- Treatment mistakes: Using contaminated equipment, recommending inappropriate treatments, or misapplying medical devices can constitute malpractice during patient care.
- Birth injuries: Labor and delivery are critical windows where mistakes, such as failing to monitor fetal distress or improper handling of newborns, can result in preventable birth injuries, some with lifelong repercussions.
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs): Hospital-acquired infections often result from inadequate hygiene or poor infection control practices in healthcare settings and are considered largely preventable with proper care.
- “Never events”: Never events are egregious, inexcusable errors that are entirely preventable, like performing surgery on the wrong patient or body part, or even patient abductions. By definition, these medical events should never happen in a competent healthcare system.
Systemic Issues Behind Medical Errors
While individual mistakes can be traced to human error, broader systemic factors often create an environment where medical malpractice becomes more likely.
- Profit-driven healthcare pressures: Critics argue that the financial incentives in some healthcare systems prioritize revenue over patient care, pushing providers to rush appointments, overbook schedules, or cut corners on safety measures.
- Inconsistent accountability: Unlike other professions where repeated mistakes can end a career, healthcare providers accused of negligence don’t always face meaningful discipline. In some cases, practitioners with a known pattern of errors are allowed to continue treating patients without oversight. Data on surgical complication rates is rarely transparent or publicly shared.
- Defensive medicine vs. real patient safety: Some providers practice “defensive medicine” or order unnecessary tests to guard against lawsuits. Yet research suggests that true improvements in patient safety, not excess testing, are what actually reduce malpractice claims. Hospitals that prioritize quality care see better patient outcomes and face fewer lawsuits over time.
How You Can Support Patient Safety & Awareness
Medical Malpractice Awareness Month isn’t just for healthcare professionals. Patients, families, and safety advocates all play a role in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in the healthcare system.
You can get involved with Medical Malpractice Awareness Month by:
- Staying informed: Learn about common risks in medical care and know your rights as a patient. Knowledge is power when it comes to advocating for your health.
- Asking questions: Don’t hesitate to speak up if you’re unsure about a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medication. A good healthcare provider will welcome your questions.
- Supporting advocacy efforts: Consider supporting organizations like the NMMAA and others that push for systemic reform, better reporting standards, and stronger patient protections.
- Sharing your story: If you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice, sharing your experience can help break the silence and prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Get Legal Help When You Need It
Medical malpractice is a serious public health issue, but raising awareness this July is a step toward creating a safer, more accountable healthcare system. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of negligence, and demanding higher standards from providers, we can all make patient safety a top priority now and year-round.
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a medical error in Florida, get The Florida Law Group and our attorneys on your side today. We can help you explore your options and determine if you have the grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. Call (833) 899-0310 or use an online contact form now to begin.