Professionals in all types of industries have a responsibility to their clients — especially when those clients rely on them for accurate information and guidance.
While “malpractice” is a term that most people associate with the medical profession alone, the reality is that any professional service provider is expected to adhere to a certain standard of competency. When they don’t live up to those expectations and make mistakes — mistakes that they should know how to avoid — that is malpractice.
Unfortunately, the medical industry as a whole is commonly associated with malpractice claims for good reason. Currently, it’s estimated that one out of every 10 deaths in this country is related to medical error. This means that you or someone you know and love could easily become a victim of medical malpractice at some point in the future.
Beyond medical malpractice
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and hospital workers aren’t the only people who can be guilty of malpractice. Malpractice is also shockingly common among:
- Accountants
- Architects
- Attorneys
- Dentists
- Engineers
- Insurance agents
For example, data shows that legal malpractice claims have been the most costly on record for the last two years — with at least four claims that cost insurers more than $100 million.
What are the primary causes of malpractice claims? According to the experts, high-stress situations and poor communication are often the underlying causes of most mistakes — and most claims.
When someone fails to uphold their profession’s standards
If you’ve suffered physical or financial harm because of a professional’s mistakes, you need to learn more about your legal rights to justice and compensation.