Medical Errors: Is Our Health Care System Safe

Frank Bailey

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 435

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Errors in health care are a leading cause of death and injury. Health care should be safe. It is not! In a revealing study, the Institute of Medicine found that sizable numbers of Americans are harmed as a result of medical errors. This study was authored by a blue ribbon panel which included William C Richardson as its chair. Mr. Richardson was President and CEO of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, in Battle Creek, MI. Dr. Lonnie R Bristow, Past President of the American Medical Association, Walnut Creek, CA also served on the panel along with noted professors from the University of Virginia, Harvard School of Public Health and the University of California at Irving College of Medicine.

The study found that preventable adverse events are a leading cause of death in the United States. The study found that as many as 98,000 Americans die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors.
Total national costs are estimated to be between $17 billion and $29 billion for preventable adverse events.

Trial attorneys provide families who have been victims of these medical events some measure of relief. Our jury system which is composed of citizens from the community has the power to impose accountability for these medical errors. Often families are hesitant to come forward, but by coming forward and exposing these medical errors we at the Bailey and Oliver Law firm believe that is the first step to safe health care in the United States. Our senior attorney, Frank Bailey is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has over 30 years experience with medical cases.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.