Pursuing a medical malpractice claim is rarely easy. In fact, most are highly complex cases that take months, sometimes years to complete. Even then, there is no guarantee that a payout will occur. In fact, one study recently found that successful medical malpractice cases – or those that result in an award to the victim or their surviving family – are on the decline. However, payout amounts seem to be increasing. Learn more about this trend, including what it could mean for your medical malpractice case.
Rate of Successful Claims Down by Half
Politicians have been screaming for tort reform – changes to the way that lawsuits are handled – for years. The drop in successful payouts on medical malpractice claims over the last two decades suggests that they have been at least partially successful in their endeavors. In fact, researchers from Harvard Medical School indicate that there are 56 percent fewer malpractice claims today than there were back in the 1992-1998 time-period.
What does that mean for victims today, and in the future? First, it means that winning a case is becoming more difficult, even for victims that have experienced great harm. Secondly, it means that tort reform advocates are not happy with the already decreased wins for victims. In a time where medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death, it becomes clear that such advocates are not working in the best interest of victims; instead, it appears they would much rather ensure that victims and their families remain hopeless and helpless.
Payout Amounts Are Increasing
Although the decrease in successful cases is a discouragement for victims, payout amounts are increasing. With caps being placed on malpractice cases across the country, and more tort reform advocates pushing for additional caps, the increase comes as a welcome surprise for many. It may even encourage severely injured victims to keep moving forward, even if winning seems impossible. Hopefully, those same victims will also take the extra added step of ensuring that they are fully protected during the legal process.
Contact Our Barrington Medical Malpractice Lawyers
At Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicalla, LLC, we aggressively protect the rights of medical malpractice victims. Understanding to the current plight of your family and dedicated to ensuring you get the most compensation possible, our Barrington medical malpractice lawyers will fight for you. Get the representation and support that you deserve. Call 847-934-6000 and schedule a personalized consultation with us today.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-malpractice-lawsuits-fewer-claims-succeed-payouts-rise/