Personal Injury Law

Medical Malpractice: Most Legitimate Claims Never Pursued

By Paul Napoli

Medical malpractice has been underreported in the media for years, but due to a number of higher profile cases, it has become a major priority in this country. Despite having what some consider the best medical care in the country, Manhattan is not immune from the ongoing problem of medical malpractice. What’s even more frightening is that statistics estimate that only 4% of instances of medical malpractice are ever taken to court. Why is that the case? It is because it medical malpractice has proven to be a very difficult case to prove. A lot of people who go into the hospital assume their health is poor and that any resulting medical problems that ensue are inevitable. This has not been proven to be the case. In fact, some studies done during the 1980s estimated that 1% of people who entered the hospital were the victims of medical malpractice. That is a staggering figure, when you realize how many people that represents. And with healthcare costs at an all time high and fewer and fewer people having insurance in this day and age, it’s an epidemic that everyone should be aware of. Statistics also show that one out of every two hundred doctors face a medical malpractice claim each year. That doesn’t mean that the other 199 doctors are doing a perfect job. As shown earlier, only about 4% of cases ever are brought into the courtroom. In a lot of cases, New Yorkers have gotten sicker or died because of medical malpractice and had no idea that it happened. This doesn’t have to be the case. Fortunately, there are advocates for patients that are victims of medical malpractice. Napoli Bern Ripka, a law firm based out of New York City, has over 60 combined years of experience fighting against medical malpractice. And these aren’t easy cases to win. They require lawyers that have experience in front of New York’s judges and juries. A good medical malpractice firm also requires top-notch medical personnel on their side. Napoli Bern Ripka has doctors and nurses on full time staff to fully evaluate the case and determine if there was malpractice. Another benefit of Napoli Bern Ripka is that they have the necessary experience to take a case all the way to a jury decision. A lot of medical malpractice lawyers are quick to take the first settlement that is offered. They aren’t concerned about the victim’s well being because they are getting paid either way. Napoli Bern Ripka wouldn’t have the over half-century of experience that they do if they didn’t get every dollar possible for their clients. The insurance companies that represent the medical profession are quick to offer medical malpractice victims a small settlement to make the case go away and keep bad press away. A lot of lesser attorneys will recommend their clients take such a settlement. That is not the case with Napoli, Bern, Ripka. If you, or someone you know, may have been the victim of medical malpractice it is crucial to contact Napoli, Bern, Ripka immediately and have them assess your case.

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on October 03, 2008 (boomark / email).