never event
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Pennsylvania

Unfortunately, Never Events are not as rare as one may think.  According to Johns Hopkins University, an estimated 80,000 Never Events occurred in US hospitals between 1990 and 2010.  During this time period:

• The wrong surgical procedure was performed on patients an estimated 20 times per week.
• The wrong body part was operated on by surgeons an estimated 20 times per week.
• A foreign object, such as a surgical instrument, a surgical towel or a surgical sponge was left in patients an estimated 40 times per week.

Patients between 40-49 were the most vulnerable for a Never Event.  Also, the most Never Event mistakes were made by surgeons less than 60 years old.

Sadly, these Never Events continue to occur today at the rate of approximately 4,000 new cases each year.  These lapses in medical care which are unambiguous, preventable and clearly identifiable represent a major healthcare quality problem that causes needless injury and millions of dollars in otherwise unnecessary medical care each year.

Again, “Never Events” are totally preventable medical mistakes. If you or a loved one has suffered a “Never Event,” call our knowledgeable and experienced office today.