LEGAL SYSTEM »» TORT »» MEDICAL MALPRACTICE »» Mar 22, 2021

Statistics show at least 150,000 Americans die from medical malpractice each year, much of it attributed to hospital and physician errors. This is more than double the combined number of Americans killed each year by breast cancer and automobile accidents. Between 2009 and 2018, an average of 12,414 cases of medical malpractice lawsuits were brought against American doctors. However, negligent doctors are rarely reprimanded for their mistakes. Health advocates say most states do not require public disclosure of negligent doctors and the American Medical Association only disciplines doctors in cases of extreme negligence. They claim this is one reason medical malpractice insurance is so expensive. Industry supporters claim frivolous lawsuits and astronomical awards by juries are causing healthcare costs and malpractice insurance rates to skyrocket. At least half of all medical malpractice lawsuit awards exceed $1 million. They warn that our access to good healthcare and competent physicians could be endangered if malpractice insurance costs are not controlled. These costs account for about 2% of all healthcare costs. Pending Legislation: None Proposed Legislation: To establish a national public registry of physicians who have been found culpable of extreme negligence. Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) Status: Undetermined