When a doctor makes a mistake, it can result in a serious health problem or even death.

Medical errors to be spotlight on the big screen

On Behalf of | Apr 7, 2018 | Wrongful Death |

As medical science continues to make advances in what is possible, another trend sadly continues. Patients in Washington State become the subjects of medical errors. In some situations, if they are lucky, people experience no injury or negative consequences from these errors. In other situations, however, serious injury and even death can occur. A new documentary is being released that attempts to highlight the grave nature of this reality.

The film is titled  and includes a series of interviews involving people who have personally been touched by a medical error as well as medical or industry professionals. Among the topics brought to life is communication about medical mistakes. Reports indicate that historically medical personnel have been instructed or trained not to speak about errors. Today, however, the paradigm is starting to shift and doctors and other health care workers are actively encouraged and trained to do so.

The number of people who die every year from medical mistakes can be difficult to identify conclusively. This is due in part to the fact that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not allow a medical error to be identified as a cause of death for someone. An effort to change this is underway but it is not clear if or when that change may ever happen.

As communication about medical errors improves, it remains important for those affected to get help. Talking with a lawyer may offer insights into their compensation options. 

Source: Med Page Today, “Film Shines Light on Deadly Errors in Medicine,” Ian Ingram, April 6, 2018