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Hospitals implement strategies to reduce malpractice lawsuits

New York residents may be surprised to learn that 12,000 people died in 2014 while undergoing unnecessary surgical procedures and a further 7,000 deaths were caused by medication errors. Medical mistakes and hospital negligence lead to approximately 85,000 medical malpractice lawsuits being filed every year. Some hospitals are adding extra layers of oversight and implementing stricter safety protocols to both protect patients and avoid lawsuits.

Patients can help avoid hospital errors

Hospitals in New York and across the country are being pushed to reduce medical errors. Although the hospital is responsible for the safety of its patients, there are steps that people can take before or during a hospitalization to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of a mistake.

Electronic records could cause legal issues for New York doctors

Advancements in the process of documentation in the medical field aim to improve accuracy and provide a reliable reference for patients and professionals to optimize healthcare and minimize malpractice. If not maintained effectively, however, complications can arise. For example, electronic medical records provide such an opportunity for improvement, but education, skill and effort are required on the part of the healthcare provider for a successful final product.

Medical mistakes decreased between 2010 and 2013

Authorities reported that the statistics on deadly errors made in hospitals or by medical care professionals reflects a declining trend for recent years. A federal review of hospital records reportedly showed that deaths caused by drug mistakes, infections and other preventable injuries or illnesses dropped by 17 percent from 2010 to 2013. If accurate, this is good news for New York, whose courts have fielded their fair share of medical malpractice lawsuits.

Medical Malpractice Caused by Recovery Room Errors

If you suspect that you have been adversely affected by medical malpractice you need to contact an experienced New York medical malpractice and personal injury lawyer who can help you determine the exact extent of the injury and damages. Some medical malpractice cases are caused in the recovery room after a surgery.

Hospital rights for patients in New York

On the New York State Department of Health website, there is a section that deals with the rights a person has when he or she is a patient in a hospital in the state. Regulations and laws are in effect to make sure patients are given quality, safe care while hospitalized. Each person is different, and the law is designed to offer protection to all.