A study by Harvard University shows that a staggering 99% of physicians in high-risk fields will face medical malpractice lawsuits by the time they are 65 years-old. Doctors in low-risk fields don’t fare much better, about 75% will also face malpractice claims.

Researchers believe that these figures force doctors to practice defensive medicine, which some credit to the rising costs of health care. Some doctors will order extra tests or procedures to protect themselves from a possible lawsuit. The study looked at research conducted between 1991 and 2005 of nearly 41,000 physicians.

Another study that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that about only 1 in 5 malpractice suits resulted in monetary settlements.

If you or someone you love has been harmed because of a medical professional’s failure to provide appropriate and adequate care, contact the Louisville medical malpractice attorneys of Sampson Law Firm at 502-584-5050 today.