Whether you’re being treated for an infection or undergoing a major medical procedure, you expect a high standard of medical care. While many treatments and procedures proceed without issue, some lead to serious harm—and in some cases, death. In our recent study, “In Which of the 25 Most Populous Counties Are People Most Likely to Die From Complications From Medical and Surgical Care,” we explore the possible underlying causes of these fatalities and what to do if you’ve lost a loved one due to suspected medical malpractice.
New Study Reveals Where Medical and Surgical Complications Are Most Likely to Turn Deadly
The study revealed the top 25 most populous counties in the United States with a high rate of medical malpractice-related fatalities — and Philadelphia County, PA placed #1. Per the study, Philadelphia County had a rate of 9.06 medical and surgical-related deaths per 100,000 residents between 2018-2022. This came out to 142 preventable deaths over the course of five years.
Although Philadelphia County ranked #1 on the list, it wasn’t the only area with alarming numbers. Clark County, Nevada followed closely with a rate of 7.96 deaths per 100,000 residents, while Broward County, Florida ranked third at 7.76. Miami-Dade County, Florida placed fourth with 7.59, and Tarrant County, Texas rounded out the top five at 6.45. Overall, the data revealed that Texas accounted for four counties in the top 25, along with four in New York and eight in California—underscoring how widespread the issue of fatal medical complications truly is.
What Could be Causing These Serious Medical and Surgical Complications?
When a routine treatment or procedure leads to serious injury or death, patients and families are often left asking how such a devastating outcome could happen. While every case is unique, certain recurring factors contribute to many of the fatal complications seen in hospitals across the country. Understanding these underlying causes is an important step toward identifying medical negligence—and holding healthcare providers accountable when standards of care are not met.
Understaffing and Miscommunication
Understaffing is a huge problem within the healthcare industry, especially in highly populated areas like the ones mentioned in this study. Understaffing and increased patient demand can be a deadly combination, with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals possibly making careless mistakes such as entering the wrong patient data into the system or failing to communicate a deadly allergy. These aren’t simple clerical errors — they are egregious mistakes that can change a family’s life in an instant.
Medication Errors
In high-pressure, understaffed hospitals, medication errors are far too common—and often deadly. These mistakes include giving the wrong drug, incorrect dosages, or failing to catch dangerous interactions or allergies. In surgical settings, anesthesia errors can be especially devastating.
As highlighted in our study, crowded facilities and high patient turnover increase the risk of these oversights. When healthcare providers cut corners or miss critical details, the consequences can be devastating.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors are some of the most shocking—and preventable—forms of medical negligence. These mistakes can include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical tools inside the patient, or performing the wrong procedure altogether. In some cases, surgeons may nick a nearby organ or artery, causing internal bleeding or infection. These aren’t rare flukes—they’re the result of rushed prep, miscommunication, or lack of proper checks.
When surgical teams fail to follow basic safety protocols, the results can be catastrophic. Families trust hospitals with their loved ones’ lives—careless surgical errors betray that trust in the worst way.
Steps to Take if Your Loved One Was a Victim of Medical Malpractice
If you believe your loved one was a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to take immediate and informed action. Navigating this process can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving, but taking the right steps early on can protect your legal rights and help build a strong foundation for your claim.
Request and Keep Track of All Medical Records
If you believe your loved one’s death was the direct result of medical negligence, you need to request their medical records. This includes surgical notes, pre-and post-op instructions, consultations, prescriptions, radiology reports, and anything else the hospital has on file. Keep in mind that in Pennsylvania and most other states, medical records will only be released to the executor — this is the person named in the will or appointed to legally handle their loved one’s estate.
If you were named or are expected to be named, you’ll have to wait for this step to be complete before the hospital will release the records. Generally, this takes a few weeks.
Document Everything Related to the Incident
Keep a detailed written account of what happened before, during, and after the medical treatment in question. This includes dates of procedures, names of medical providers involved, and any conversations or instructions that seemed unclear, rushed, or concerning.
If your loved one experienced visible symptoms or a decline in condition, note when those changes occurred and how they were addressed by the medical staff. Include emotional and logistical impacts as well—missed work, changes to family routines, and how the loss has affected daily life. This documentation can be incredibly valuable when establishing a timeline and building a case for negligence.
Keep A Record of All Funeral Expenses and Lost Income
In addition to the above documentation, keep a record of your loved one’s lost income and any funeral expenses, as these can be considered in your wrongful death claim.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases are complex and highly technical, often involving both legal and medical expertise. An attorney with experience in this area can evaluate the details of your case, explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the legal process. The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence, meeting deadlines, and protecting your family’s ability to seek justice. A compassionate legal team will handle the legal burdens while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
If You’re Navigating the Loss of a Loved One Due to Medical Complications
Losing someone to a preventable medical error is devastating, and the questions that follow can feel overwhelming. Understanding what happened and whether it could have been avoided is an important step for many families seeking closure and accountability.
The attorneys at Anapol Weiss have experience handling complex medical malpractice cases and can help assess the circumstances surrounding a loss. If you’re looking for guidance or have questions about your legal options, you can reach out confidentially at 215-608-9645 or through our online contact form.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
