Can Medical Errors Cause Deaths?

 Posted on March 05, 2025 in Wrongful Death

A recent study reports that more than 200,000 hospitalized patients die in the U.S. every year because of avoidable medical errors. Another study reveals that some kind of preventable harm happens to over 400,000 hospital patients annually. These alarming figures do not include medical mistakes made in doctor’s offices, chiropractic clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. 

Preventable medical errors are reportedly the third leading cause of death in the U.S., although some sources dispute that claim. The National Center for Health Statistics ranks unintentional/accidental injuries as third, with heart disease and cancer taking the top two spots. Injury or death caused by medical negligence could qualify you to pursue a medical malpractice or wrongful death claim. An experienced Springfield, IL medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

What Common Medical Errors Can Lead to Injuries or Death?

Countless types of medical mistakes made by various kinds of medical professionals happen yearly. Birth or maternal injuries, hospital-acquired infections, miscommunication, and emergency room mistakes are common errors. Surgical errors, such as leaving a foreign object inside the body or operating on the wrong patient or body part, can also cause significant harm.

Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and failure to diagnose are unfortunately common as well. Medication errors, such as giving incorrect drugs or dosages or prescribing a drug to a patient with a known allergy, can cause serious harm or death. Dentists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and chiropractors can harm patients in their care due to negligence or mistakes. 

The key to medical malpractice cases is that the error made must have been avoidable with a reasonable standard of care, and the error must have been the direct cause of harm to the patient. Sometimes, treatments fail to correct conditions. If the course of treatment is one that another healthcare professional with similar qualifications would have ordered, you may not have a case. To verify your eligibility, your best bet is to contact our office for a free case review.

What Kinds of Compensation Are Available for Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Claims?

Each patient’s and family’s losses are different, so it is impossible to name your eligible damages and calculate their worth without a thorough evaluation of your specific situation. However, damages might include:

• Additional medical expenses

• Lost income

• Ongoing care

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Pain and suffering

Qualifying wrongful death claims could yield additional damages, such as funeral and burial costs, along with compensation for the various losses the family is facing. Your lawyer will consider all available damages and fight to help you collect the maximum available amount.

Call a Dedicated Champaign, IL Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases are usually complex, and not just any attorney can provide you with competent legal representation. For your best chances of achieving optimal results, call Kanoski Bresney today at 888-826-8682 to speak with one of our highly effective Peoria, IL wrongful death attorneys.