With all of the news of medical malpractice coming out of Kentucky lately, readers might be curious about how some of the various types of medical malpractice rank in the state. Data from the Kentucky Department of Insurance sheds some light on the number of claims resolved against various types of providers in the state. The data presented is for 2012 because the data for 2013 isn’t yet available.
The Kentucky Department of Insurance receives medical malpractice complaints when the complaints are resolved, so this number isn’t representative of the number of claims that are filed. In 2012, the department received 415 claims, which resulted in a total of $96.3 million worth of settlements.
Topping the list is the medical doctor category with 226 claims filed that year. Medical facilities fall second on the list with 127 claims. While those numbers might seem high, the remaining complaints are seemingly small. Doctors of osteopathic medicine came in third on the list with 16 complaints, doctors of dental surgery and dental science had 15 claims. Doctors of dental medicine, pharmacists, registered nurses, podiatrists, chiropractors, and physician’s assistants had fewer than 10 claims each.
These numbers show that medical malpractice issues, such as hospital mistakes, are far more frequent than many people likely realize. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice issues, you might have the right to file a claim for compensation. Seeking the advice of an experienced Kentucky medical malpractice attorney might help you to understand the process for filing a claim. You might also get help understanding what claims are appropriate for your case.
If you or someone you love has been negligently injured or wrongfully killed due to hospital errors, you have the right to obtain compensation through a Kentucky or Ohio medical malpractice claim. For a completely confidential and free consultation regarding your case, call the experienced Cincinnati and Covington medical malpractice attorneys at TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm today.
Source: Louisville Business First, “Which health care providers see the most malpractice suits?” David A. Mann, Jan. 29, 2014