Common Medical Malpractice Myths & Misinformation

Recent studies of the medical industry estimate that medical errors may account for as many as 251,000 deaths annually in the U.S., which makes them the third leading cause of death here. Industry experts also think that less than 10% of medical errors are reported each year, meaning that even fewer people get the help they need after they become victims of malpractice.

We at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, located in central Ohio, have a theory that so many instances of malpractice go unreported because victims believe some common myths about malpractice claims, or misunderstand their rights in those situations. This is understandable because there are probably more myths and misunderstandings fabout medical malpractice than about any other area of personal injury law.

To help you educate yourself about malpractice law, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common malpractice myths and misunderstandings. If you’ve been injured due to a doctor’s mistake or medical error in the Mansfield or Columbus areas, give us a call today to speak with one of our dedicated Medical Malpractice Attorneys.

I can’t afford to bring a medical malpractice suit

It’s a myth that clients have to pay out-of-pocket up front for medical malpractice claims. You don’t have to worry about coming up with large sums of money before filing a malpractice suit through Rinehardt. Our firm offers free consultations and a guarantee that we won’t ask for fees until we win or settle your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a malpractice incident, mistreated by a medical professional, suffered from surgical errors, or had a birth injury, you can’t afford not to bring a case. Not only do injury victims deserve financial restitution for lost wages, further hospital and medical bills, and emotional distress, but those at fault need to be held accountable.

I can file a malpractice claim on my own

While it might seem simple enough to file a medical malpractice claim — the doctor made a mistake or was neglectful in their duties, so you’re entitled to compensation — in reality, a number of complexities exist. These range from gathering substantial evidence to understanding the necessary paperwork and motions to file with court. In particular, you must prove these five elements of the case:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed
• A duty of care existed
• The doctor breached their duty of care
• The breach caused injuries
• The patient suffered damages as a result

Drawing the line through all five of these elements can be complicated, and hospitals and their insurances have good reason to keep the truth concealed. You need a personal injury attorney to advocate on your behalf against these businesses.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are frivolous

Somehow, the popular mythology has begun including the spurious claim that medical malpractice suits are frivolous and drive up the price of health care. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Around 80% of medical malpractice cases are filed for severe injuries to the patient, including disability to death. 97% of those cases — almost all of them — bring strong evidence that those injuries were caused by medical errors or negligence, or in other words, malpractice. An experienced medical malpractice attorney like those at Rinehardt can assess your case and let you know if you have a valid claim. It doesn’t hurt to call.

Medical errors are not preventable

We like to believe that doctors always know what they’re doing and that medical mistakes only happen when they’re unavoidable. The truth is much more messy. Doctors are often overworked and exhausted, hospitals often cut corners on their care, and communication can be as hard in a doctors’ office as in any other workplace. As a result, over 70% of medical errors are preventable. Common preventable errors include the following:

• Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose
• Improper medical treatments
• Drug and medication errors

If you’ve experienced one of these, or another kind of injury in the Columbus or Mansfield areas, you need an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to represent your interest. Give us a call or stop by our office for your free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers here at the law offices of the Rinehardt Injury Attorneys. We’re here to fight any and every insurance company to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our successful case results speak for themselves; reach out to our Columbus personal injury attorneys today!