Steven F. Reilly Blog

October Library Items: A Focus on Medical Malpractice

We grow up learning to trust our doctors. They've trained for years in medical schools. They've consistently been at the top of their class. They know so much about medicine that we simply don't.

However, doctors are not perfect, and just like in all other areas of life, some of them are incompetent. Just because they wear a white lab coat and have a stethoscope around their neck does not mean that they will always, without fail, give you the best care that you need. In fact, a Harvard University study estimated that  medical malpractice mistakes account for 234,000 injuries and 80,000 deaths per year in this country alone.

Some instances of medical malpractice happen in the ER. Some happen in the delivery room. Still others happen in surgery. Some even happen in small family practice offices around the country, where family practitioners misdiagnose or fail to diagnose serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and meningitis.

The best advice we can give you is to be vigilant. Look after your families. Get second opinions. Trust your gut. And if you or a loved one is found in a situation where you suspect medical malpractice, immediately seek experienced legal counsel in the matter.

To educate you further, we've focused our Library Items this month on issues related to medical malpractice. Read them and share them with your friends and family:

• Erb's Palsy And Medical Malpractice
• What Is Considered A Failure To Diagnose?
• What is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Suits in Pennsylvania?