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According to The Business Journals, the state of New York has higher medical malpractice payouts than any other state. In total, payouts reached sums in excess of $685 million in 2018 alone, which is significantly higher than any other state. The second-place state is Pennsylvania, which paid out almost half that amount by comparison.
The fact that New York pays out such massive sums in medical malpractice settlements each year has understandably sparked significant debate. For practicing physicians in the Empire State, this is a source of frustration. It has been reported that physicians must work many months in New York before they cover their insurance premiums. Some have even called New York the worst state in America for physicians to work.
On the other hand, victims of medical malpractice are fortunate to live in the Empire State. Because New York pays out such large sums of money to victims, the assumption is that it is easier to receive an adequate, fair settlement here.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a medical professional, you should seek help from a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. While it might theoretically be easier to win a medical malpractice lawsuit in New York, you still need to team up with a legal professional. With an expert by your side, you will give yourself a much better chance of receiving compensation that can adequately cover your damages.
What is Medical Malpractice?
In New York, you are allowed to file a medical malpractice claim against any healthcare provider. These include doctors, nurses, and physical therapists. Because of the nature of their profession, these medical professionals have a duty to uphold what is known as a “standard of care.” This is the expectation that the medical professional will act in a reasonable, responsible manner at all times. When they breach this standard or “duty” of care, they become negligent for your injuries. Medical malpractice may include errors, misdiagnoses, botched surgeries, failure to diagnose ailments, and much more.
Reform Initiatives Have Been Made
While New York might be one of the best states in which to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, this might not always be the case. Organizations such as The Medical Society of New York are pushing for a number of reform efforts. Among other things, this organization wants to place a cap on settlement awards. As of right now, there is no cap on medical malpractice settlement amounts. Although The Medical Society of New York has made some progress in this regard, none of their efforts have resulted in any actual changes to the law.
The Importance of Enlisting the Help of a Qualified Attorney
If you have suffered an injury due to your healthcare provider’s negligence, it is crucial to enlist the help of a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Medical malpractice negligence can be difficult to prove, and this is why you need an expert on your side. Reach out to the Glassman Law Group today.