Medical professionals in Indiana are legally and ethically required to protect the health and safety of their patients. But every year, mistakes are made at medical facilities across the state that often lead to Indiana medical malpractice claims.
Indiana Medical Errors By The Numbers
Records from the Indiana State Department of Health show that last year alone, there were a total of 111 mistakes that were made in the medical care of patients in Indiana. This was an all-time high for the number of medical errors being reported from 293 medical facilities.
These numbers leave many wondering what some of the most regularly reported mistakes are.
Most Common Indiana Medical Errors
According to an article from the Indianapolis Star, bedsores were the most commonly reported ailment, with 45 reports being received in 2013. On 27 occasions, surgeons were responsible for leaving “foreign objects”—such as sponges, clamps, and other tools—in the bodies of patients following medical procedures. Surgeons also conducted procedures on the wrong body part of 13 patients, while another 12 patients were injured as the result of a serious fall.
Methodist Hospital in Gary was amongst the most dangerous facilities in the state, with 10 errors reported in the past year.
Getting Help
If you’ve been harmed as the result of a medical professional’s mistake, know that help is available. At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we have an understanding of the law as it pertains to medical errors. This allows our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys to answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights and how they pertain to your injury or condition. Call us today at (800) 33-33-LAW to speak with a member of our legal team.