The Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. Discuss the “July Effect”
The Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys continue to discuss common causes of medical malpractice, including the theory of the “July effect”. When medical students finish their education and graduate, they typically begin their residencies on July 1st. For this reason, many have long suspected that medical errors increase during the month of July, a phenomenon known as the “July Effect.” However, until recently, little research had been conducted to determine whether or not this phenomenon actually existed. A recent study by the Journal of Internal Medicine has changed this fact.
The study, conducted by researchers examining hospital records and death certificates from 1979 to 2006, concluded that the number of fatal medication errors increases significantly, as much as 10%, during the month of July at many medical institutions. The study’s authors pointed to changes in medical personnel and inexperienced new doctors as one of the primary causes of this increase in medical errors. Other studies have similarly suggested that surgical errors and preventable medical complications also occurring with an increased frequency during this months.
As a patient, this is an important piece of information to be aware of. If you are in need of a surgical or other major medical procedure, you may want to avoid having it done during July to decrease your risk of suffering a tragic medical error. These errors can have a devastating impact on a patient’s life. For this reason, medical professionals can be held liable for the consequences of their mistakes. The Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., are prepared to represent those who have suffered from the effects of a medical error in pursuing compensation for their damages.
About the Firm
Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. is a personal injury law firm based in Pennsylvania, with offices in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York. If you have been injured because of another person’s reckless or negligent actions, our team of dedicated attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today at 215-238-1130.