It is often difficult to find accurate information regarding medical malpractice claims in the United States due to misinformation. However, the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), which is part of the Data Bank, is a confidential information clearinghouse created by Congress to improve health care quality, protect the public, and reduce health care fraud and abuse in the U.S.
The NPDB reports that there were 254,380 Medical Malpractice Reports submitted to and accepted by the National Data Bank of Practitioners for Physicians from September 1, 1990 through May 22, 2010. There were 16,316 Medical Malpractice Reports submitted to and accepted by the National Data Bank of Practitioners for Osteopathic Physicians from September 1, 1990 through May 22, 2010. There were 7,203 Medical Malpractice Reports submitted to and accepted by the National Data Bank of Practitioners for Podiatrists from September 1, 1990 through May 22, 2010. And there were 1,823 Medical Malpractice Reports submitted to and accepted by the National Data Bank of Practitioners for Pharmacists from September 1, 1990 through May 22, 2010. You can read the NPDB Summary Reports here.
If you believe that you may have been the victim of medical malpractice, find a medical malpractice lawyer in your area to help answer your questions by clicking here or call toll free 800-295-3959.