Statistics show that at least 210,000 to 440,000 individuals suffer from an avoidable injury caused by medical professionals that ultimately leads to the patient’s death every year[1]. Our hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare professionals carry the responsibility to obey conventional medical standards that are brought forth through the American Medical Association, and other medical organizations and societies. When a medical professional fails to satisfy these requirements during treatment or practices carelessly, and you or a loved one is harmed as a result, you may have a medical malpractice claim to hold the medical professional legally responsible.
July is National Medical Malpractice Awareness Month. We wanted to take this opportunity to notify you of a helpful tool in identifying those physicians or medical facilities that have had medical negligence claims filed against them in the past.
This “Surgeon Scorecard”[2] analyzes casualty and estimates the complication rates for a particular surgeon in your area for eight elective procedures. The scorecard takes into account your health, age, and hospital quality, in addition to asking you a list of key questions to take into account your unique situation. Many of these procedures are common, and you or a loved one may have already had one of them in the past. These eight scored procedures are as follows:
1. Knee Replacement review
2. Hip Replacement
3. Gallbladder Removal
4. Lumbar Spinal Infusion (Posterior)
5. Lumbar Spinal Infusion (Anterior)
6. Prostate Resection
7. Prostate Removal
8. Cervical (Neck) Spinal Infusion
If you plan on undergoing one of these eight procedures, we invite you to use the “Surgeon Scorecard” and hope that this information will serve you well. It is our desire that your medical treatments go as planned and scheduled. Nevertheless, if you or a loved one discovers yourself the victim of medical negligence, please to not hesitate to call one of the lawyers at the Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC. We are always here to help.
[1] Allen, Marshall. “How Many Die From Medical Mistakes in U.S. Hospitals?” Top Stories RSS. ProPublica, 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 15 July 2015.
[2] Wei, Sisi, Olga Pierce, and Marshall Allen. “Surgeon Scorecard.” ProPublica. ProPublica, n.d. Web. 15 July 2015.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
Fill out the form below to get in touch!
