Everyone knows that medical professionals are individuals who have had undergone years of studying and practicing for their field. This is mainly because their vocation involves lives. Thus, there is no room for mistakes and a lot of room for malpractice insurance in this line of work. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Here are shocking facts about medical malpractice around the world:
United States Of America
With heart disease and cancer taking the first and second spot, medical malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. About 210,00 to 440,000 Americans are led to their untimely death due to human error. Medical professionals in America are said to mostly commit blunders during diagnosis, surgery, treatment, obstetrics, and anesthesia.
China
Medical malpractice in China can be tried under civil, criminal, or administrative law. Chinese criminal law indicates that medical human error is punishable with imprisonment of not more than three years. This is, however, lauded as ridiculous by Chinese netizens due to leniency. In fact, possession of adult materials has the same maximum term of imprisonment.
Canada
Canada is famous for its universal health care system. What it’s not popular for is its medical malpractice cases. There are about 43,000 deaths each year across Canada, yet only a few lawsuits are filed over a five-year period. Most of which are dismissed or abandoned. Apparently, doctors in the country are insured under the protection of the government-subsidized Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).
England
England is where the first ever recorded medical malpractice lawsuit occurred. In 1164, the Everad v. Hoskins case revolved around the allegations of unwholesome medicine against a physician.
Saudi Arabia
Payouts in medical malpractice cases in this country greatly depends on religion and gender. Because of the Shari’a Law, a male Muslim receives more than what a female Muslim and a non-Muslim can get.
Though there are various laws and factors that may affect a medical malpractice case, this doesn’t change the fact that it involves a human life. Cases like these must always be taken with utmost care and attention. Professionals of the medical field must take into account that besides a malpractice insurance, they must always be cautious, sure, and knowledgeable of what they are doing.
