The July Effect: A Rise in Medical Malpractice Claims

What Is the July Effect?

Have you ever heard of the July Effect? This refers to the rise of medical errors that occur during this time of year. During this time of year, newly graduated medical students begin their internships and residency training. Meanwhile, other young doctors and medical residents start taking up new positions with new responsibilities at new facilities. Consequently, the month of July is a period of change and transition in many hospitals and medical facilities.

What Are the Consequences of the July Effect on Patients?

Unfortunately, with so many new, inexperienced medical practitioners taking charge of patient care, medical mistakes and errors occur more frequently. Many studies of the July Effect have tried to understand this period's increase in medical errors.

Some findings from various studies indicate increases in:

  • Pediatric trainee medical errors
  • Mortality rates in teaching hospitals for high-risk heart attack patients
  • Fatal medication errors
  • Surgical complications, such as infections and faulty stitches

Common Medical Malpractice Errors

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional or healthcare provider does not uphold their responsibility to meet a certain standard of care. When this happens, patients can suffer serious injury and even death. According to a study by Johns Hopkins, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US, accounting for more than 250,000 deaths.

Examples of medical malpractice include:

  • Anesthesia errors
  • Birth injuries
  • Emergency room (ER) errors
  • Failure to diagnose
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Postoperative infections
  • Surgical mistakes

Medical malpractice cases tend to be incredibly complicated; in particular, determining liability is challenging. The first step in this process is determining if malpractice occurred. Though this may seem like a straightforward task, it too can be a challenge. Keep reading to find out why.

Are All Medical Errors Malpractice?

Dealing with a medical error that results in an injury to you or a loved one can be overwhelming, stressful, and extremely painful. Often we look for a reason as to why the error occurred. However, not all medical errors are the result of malpractice or negligence.

Understanding whether a medical error or accident is the result of malpractice can be challenging, especially if you are in the midst of trying to recover from your injuries or care for a loved one. This is where the experience of our attorneys can help.

To prove medical malpractice, the following must be established:

  • That your medical provider had a duty of care
  • That your medical provider breached that duty of care
  • That you or your loved one sustained an injury or loss as a result of their breach of duty

Those who are guilty of medical malpractice must be held accountable. In doing so, those harmed by their breach of duty can receive the compensation they need to move forward, and others are protected from future malpractice.

Recovering Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases

Though it can be challenging to determine liability in a medical malpractice case, with the help of one of our diligent, experienced attorneys, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim and receive compensation for your injuries. We have worked on many medical malpractice cases and have helped many clients recover compensation for damages suffered as a result of their injuries, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

If you or a loved one were the victim of medical malpractice, you might be entitled to compensation for:

  • Lost wages
  • Additional medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Long-term medical care
  • The costs associated with a disability
  • Pain and suffering

In cases where someone has died due to medical malpractice, their loved ones may also be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

The majority of medical malpractice cases are settled out of court. However, some cases do end up going to trial. There is no way to predict whether your case will go to court; therefore, you must work with an attorney experienced in litigating medical malpractice cases. This way, if your case goes to trial, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will have the legal guidance and representation you need to feel confident.

Were you or a loved one the victim of medical malpractice? Call Golomb Legal. for help today.

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