New York consistently ranks among the top states in the U.S. for medical malpractice claims and payouts. Recent data underscores the state’s significant role in national malpractice trends, reflecting both the volume and financial impact of these cases.
Volume of Claims
Between 2012 and 2022, New York residents filed nearly 16,000 medical malpractice lawsuits, equating to approximately 19 cases per 10,000 residents.
High Total Payouts
In 2024, New York led the nation with the highest total medical malpractice payouts, amounting to $550.12 million across 1,205 cases. Most medical malpractice claim settlements or judgments in New York fall between $100,000 and $249,999.
Claims in New York City
Within New York City, the fiscal year 2023 saw 398 medical malpractice claims filed against NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H), marking a 10% decrease from the previous year. Despite the decline in the number of claims, the city paid out $51.5 million in settlements and judgments during this period.
Practitioner Involvement
Data from the National Practitioner Data Bank indicates that, between 2012 and 2022, the vast majority of malpractice reports in New York involved physicians (MDs), accounting for 12,184 cases. Dentists were the next most common, with 1,946 claims.
Insurance and Legal Trends
In 2023, New York reported the highest medical malpractice direct loss ratio among the top 10 states, at 89.7%. This metric indicates the proportion of premiums paid out in claims, reflecting the financial pressures on malpractice insurers in the state.
Common Types of Malpractice Claims
The most frequent medical malpractice claims in New York involve:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to identify a medical condition in a timely manner.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgical procedures.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect prescriptions or dosages.
- Birth Injuries: Harm caused to infants during delivery.
- Failure to Treat: Neglecting to provide necessary medical care.
These categories represent the areas where patients most commonly experience harm due to medical negligence.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a medical malpractice claim in New York requires extensive experience in both medical malpractice laws and the claims process. An trusted White Plains Medical Malpractice Lawyer can:
- Evaluate Your Case: Determine the validity of your claim based on medical records and expert opinions.
- Gather Evidence: Collect necessary documentation and witness testimonies to support your case.
- Negotiate Settlements: Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel to negotiate a fair settlement.
- Represent You in Court: Advocate on your behalf during trial proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached.
Hiring legal counsel ensures that your rights are protected and you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact Fielder Deutsch, LLP Today
If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice in New York, arrange a free consultation with our White Plains medical malpractice lawyer and Westchester County medical malpractice lawyer. Call (914) 993-0393 or send us a message online today to discuss your situation and next steps.