This graph presents the most common reasons for malpractice suits against U.S. physicians as of 2015. It was found that failure to diagnose and patients suffering an abnormal injury were the most common reasons for physicians being sued, each accounting for 31 percent of the total.
Most common reasons for malpractice suits against U.S. physicians as of 2015
This graph presents the most common reasons for malpractice suits against U.S. physicians as of 2015. It was found that failure to diagnose and patients suffering an abnormal injury were the most common reasons for physicians being sued, each accounting for 31 percent of the total.
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| Share of reasons for being sued | |
|---|---|
| Failure to diagnose | 31% |
| Patient suffered an abnormal injury | 31% |
| Failure to treat | 12% |
| Poor documentation of patient instruction and education | 4% |
| Errors in medication administration | 4% |
| Failure to follow safety procedures | 3% |
| Improperly obtaining/lack of informed consent | 3% |
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