Malpractice Laws in the United States

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The United States is infamous for its medical malpractice laws, not because of their efficiency, but because of the large payouts that plaintiffs often receive.  In 2005, medical malpractice costs totaled nearly $30 billion in the United States.  Median malpractice payments in some States were as high as $250K a settlement.  With figures like these, it’s easy to see why medical malpractice is such a hot issue these days.

The Pros of Malpractice Laws in the United States

It’s comforting to know that medical practitioners have tremendous incentive to reduce errors and provide optimal care in a country that is as sue-happy as the US.  Patients and families have numerous tools at their disposal to protect themselves against negligence and incompetence.

The Cons of Malpractice Law in the United States

Expensive, frivolous, and drawn-out malpractice suits are largely responsible for the inflated cost of healthcare in the United States.  Malpractice suits also explain why nearly 50 million Americans lack basic health insurance and an additional 120 million don’t have proper dental coverage.  Proper care and coverage are just too expensive for many people in the US.  What’s more, many politicians, advocates, and watch groups argue that costly malpractice suits are not necessarily a deterrent against medical negligence.  The fact of the matter is, complications can and do arise.  According to a recent study by the National Academy of Sciences: Institute of Medicine, as many as 98,000 patients are killed every year in American hospitals due to preventable medical errors.