Why Are Preventable Medical Errors So Common Today?

While society has made vast improvements in numerous fields that have increased safety and saved lives, the medical industry still suffers its fair share of mistakes and accidents that harm innocent patients. Fifteen years ago, it was estimated that 98,000 people died annually as the result of preventable medical errors caused by doctor and hospital negligence. Now, that number has swelled to somewhere between 200,000 and 400,000 lives lost each year.
Most Common Preventable Medical Errors
The National Partnership for Women & Families points out hospital acquired infections are among the leading causes of preventable medical errors in the United States, accounting for infections in 1 of every 25 patients.
Other causes of medical errors include:

• Communication Errors
• Diagnostic Mistakes
• Drug Injuries
• Slip and Fall Accidents

What’s Being Done to Prevent Medical Mistakes?
One of the major reasons for these errors is that reports of such incidents are often not properly recorded and tracked. This is why the federal government is having a Senate committee examine what can be done to increase accountability among hospitals and doctors.
How Can I Protect Myself From a Medical Error?
While the Senate committee may one day enact a plan to improve patient safety, no such action has been taken yet. In the mean time, it’s important for citizens to remember two things: Reporting any medical errors made in your care is crucial and help is available if you are harmed by medical malpractice or negligence.
At Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers, we help medical malpractice victims by answering the questions they have regarding their case and fighting to get fair compensation for their injuries, and we can do the same for you. Just call us at (314) 499-1190 to speak with one of our St. Louis personal injury attorneys today.