Utah Med Law

Dead by Mistake is a web site created by Hearst Newspapers and they have taken on the secrecy behind the medical malpractice epidemic in this country that is killing thousands of people every year in the United States.  The first sentence on the web site states "Experts estimate that a staggering 98,000 people die from preventable medical errors each year. More Americans die each month of preventable medical injuries than died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001."  Phil Bronstein, editor-at-large and the San Francisco Chronicle describes the site this way: "Dead by mistake, the comprehensive story you see on this web site, is the result of two things converging: a team of skilled and dedicated journalists from across Hearst newspapers and television stations, and a critical and neglected health care issue that dramatically affects hundreds of thousands of Americans every year."  He goes on to site the studies and experts that back up what he says.

There is little doubt that there is a medical malpractice crisis or epidemic in this country.  It is the result, at least in part, because of the secrecy that surrounds the problem.  Doctors do not want to admit they made a mistake and were negligent, hospitals do not want to do the same.  In the mean time the acts that injure, maim and kill thousands is allowed every year is allowed to fester.

Let's rip the face off of the secrecy surrounding the medical profession and put into place safety checks and balances that make a doctor part of the health care team and take away their ability to dictate what happens to patients.  let's make patients truly informed partners in the care of their own health.  Let's move into the modern times of communication and information to help each other care for each other.

Is the above a lofty goal - idealistic - perhaps naive?  I do not think so.  Imagine a hospital where a doctor takes the time to explain what they are going to do with you or a loved one  - explaining what can go wrong and say to you face-to-face that they will try their best.  Sometimes  doctors and nurses make mistakes and they should be able to say they made a mistake despite their best efforts.  They should say to the injured patient or their family "Sorry - I tried but I made a mistake - here is the name of my medical insurance company - I will cooperate fully to make sure you get compensated for the harm we caused." Let there be no secrets.

If you think you have been the victim of medical malpractice call me and I am happy to review your case at no fee.  I will tell you if I think you have a case and if not - why not.

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