Relation between Negligent Adverse Events and the Outcomes of Medical-Malpractice Litigation

The accuracy of the litigation system governing medical malpractice in the United States is widely debated. 1 , 2 Many physicians assert that malpractice litigation is haphazard and that suits are brought with little regard to the quality of the care the plaintiff has received. 3 On the other hand, many advocates for consumers and patients argue that modifications in the law have made it so difficult for patients to prevail in such litigation that meritorious suits often bring little or no compensation to injured plaintiffs. 4 Empirical investigations have confirmed the views of those on both sides of the debate. Many medical injuries . . .