Medical Malpractice Facts

Malpractice claims are not frivolous nor are they bankrupting medical care. In fact:

• More than a million people a year are injured by medical error, yet only 85,000 suits are filed annually
• Medical error is the sixth leading cause of death
• Patients win only about 20% of cases that go to trial
• Total cost of medical malpractice litigation represents less than 1% of the cost of health care
• Published studies have shown that litigation has improved hospital and anesthesia care
• Between 2000 and 2009, healthcare spending increased 83% while malpractice payments fell 8%