Repeat Offenders: Doctors Sued For Malpractice Are Likely to Get Sued Again

One percent of all doctors account for 32 percent of all paid malpractice claims and there is a direct relationship between the numbers of claims a physician pays and the likelihood he or she will come under suit again. The study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, was based on data from the National Practitioner Data Bank that analyzed 66,426 claims paid against physicians from 2005 to 2014.

The researchers found that the risk of recurrence increased with the number of previously paid claims. A doctor who had two paid claims was twice as likely to have another suit filed against him or her compared to those who had one. Doctors who have had six or more paid claims were 12 times as likely to have another.

The numbers of doctors that come under medical malpractice suits vary by medical specialties. According to the journal, the specialties with the highest risk of malpractice are orthopedic surgeons with 14.16 percent, general surgeons with 15.31 percent, thoracic-cardiovascular surgeons with 18.9 percent and neurosurgeons with the highest risk at 19.09 percent facing a claim each year. Among the least likely to have a malpractice claim annually are psychiatrists, pediatricians and family general practitioners.

When people turn to doctors for help, they expect their doctors to make them better, not worse. Unfortunately, medical mistakes happen and, all too often, the consequences are devastating. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we are dedicated to helping people who have suffered serious and life-altering injuries as a result of medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one believes that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about medical malpractice matters. Call the attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at (332) 244-3995.