Why Telling The Truth About Medical Errors Can Save Lives

Physicians are a trusted class within our society. They are tasked with putting patient needs and concerns first, while caring for individuals and avoiding harm. When this trust is broken, it can be devastating both physically and mentally.

When doctors attempt to hide errors or wrongdoing, they can perpetually put the lives of patients at risk. Patients who may not have received the appropriate treatment could develop future complications. That's why transparency is key.

The Importance Of Transparency

Medical errors are a common problem in Kansas hospitals and nationwide, but it's important that doctors take the appropriate steps to prevent them from happening again in the future. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 2016 study showed that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States — accounting for 200,000 to 400,000 deaths per year. Additionally, errors caused by poor judgment, improper procedures, and system failures often go unreported.

The study also suggests the importance of a national database that can be used to monitor medical errors and make improvements in the quality of care.

These errors often include, but are not limited to:

• Inaccurate prescriptions and doses, which affects about 1.5 million Americans each year.
• Excessive blood transfusions: according to a 2011 study, 60 percent of red blood cell transfusions are unnecessary.
• Hospital-acquired infections, which affect 1 in 25 patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Infections caused by contaminated medical tubes injected into patients' veins.

Holding Negligent Doctors Accountable

When medical errors occur, accountability is crucial. Since errors can often lead to medical malpractice lawsuits, some doctors are likely to conceal or falsify records. Doctors should be completely honest about a patient's condition, and any errors made during procedures, so he or she can seek the appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a falsified or concealed error made by your doctor, it's important that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

The legal team at Warner Law Offices has more than 25 years of experience representing victims of medical malpractice. We'll aggressively investigate the cause of your injury or illness and fight to hold negligent parties accountable.

Don't hesitate to contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. We're here to help.