Making Medicine Safer

The civil justice system gives families of patients who have died or been injured by medical negligence an avenue to seek accountability. It also drives the development of patient safety systems that help prevent injuries before they occur. Hospitals, health systems, and even entire medical fields have reformed dangerous practices because of the civil justice system.

What would nursing homes be like without the civil justice system?

Stories of neglect are all too common in American nursing homes. Approximately 14,000 nursing home residents have died nationwide from malnutrition and dehydration. In addition, nearly 160,000 residents have had at least one pressure ulcer, yet only 35 percent of those with the most severe ulcers have received special care for their wounds. Trial attorneys, acting on behalf of injured and neglected residents, have obtained agreements from nursing home corporations to greatly improve patient monitoring and care procedures.