Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Cases Decline

The number of medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania is apparently continuing to drop, according to recent news reports. There were 1,533 medical malpractice lawsuit filings in the state, in 2009, compared to more than 1,600 the previous year. Compare that to 2,900 medical malpractice lawsuits in 2002 and one can see the declining trend rather clearly. In Philadelphia alone there were 491 medical malpractice cases in 2009, which represents a 59 percent decline compared to 2002 numbers.

According to a news article, the primary cause for the decline and the continuation of this trend is changes instituted by the Supreme Court and the legislature to reduce the number of cases. Still, does the reduction in the number of medical malpractice cases mean that medical negligence is declining in Pennsylvania? Based on the number of cases a Harrisburg med mal lawyer will see every year, medical negligence continues to be a serious problem in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Even, with better technology and advanced scientific methods, we are seeing an increase in human error and the potential for mistakes.

Malpractice reform is an ongoing process in Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of the nation. While this is an area where frivolous lawsuits can proliferate, it is a fact that a majority of cases are valid, involving victims who have been seriously injured or killed by medical negligence.