When a doctor is negligent and fails to follow proper procedure, or uses the incorrect medication and techniques, injuries can occur, which leave patients ill, disabled, or even deceased. This is considered medical malpractice, and it is a growing concern throughout Canada. Although doctors will often consider these situations “adverse events”, don’t be fooled by this statement from what it really is – medical malpractice.

A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information has established that almost a quarter of Canadians experience some form of medical malpractice within their lifetime. Even worse, the majority of all medical malpractice cases go unreported as patients and family members often lack the legal knowledge and resources needed to successfully pursue a medical malpractice case.

Medical Malpractice in Alberta

Nationwide, it is estimated that approximately 40,000 Canadians die each year due to medical malpractice. This number only reflects the amount of reported cases and is considered only a small representation of the actual number of occurrences each year.

In particular, the most common medical malpractice cases in Alberta include:

  • Surgical error
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Hospital error
  • Delayed treatment
  • Anesthesia error
  • Medication error
  • Birth injuries
  • And more

The State of Healthcare in Alberta

For many years, there has been a shortage of doctors in Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, and the surrounding smaller communities.

The doctors, who provide medical services to Edmonton, Calgary, and surrounding communities, have a high patient to physician ratio, which leaves medical professionals over worked and tired, increasing the risk of medical malpractice.

Since 2008 local medical schools have been able to alleviate doctor shortages within Calgary and Edmonton through increased first year residencies. However, the smaller rural areas of Alberta, in the North and East, are still facing a limited and overworked supply of doctors.

JD.MD’s Medical and Dental Malpractice Services in Alberta

JD.MD provides medical and dental malpractice case evaluations and expert witnesses for your medical malpractice and dental malpractice cases. It is important to use the services of a medical expert service such as JD.MD. Malpractice cases are complicated, especially since The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) protects doctors from medical malpractice suits and funds many hospitals and doctors in their defense cases.

Hiring and expert through JD.MD will bring you one step closer to achieving the justice your client deserves. We will provide you with highly-qualified medical and dental expert witnesses.

Undertaking a medical malpractice or dental malpractice lawsuit is a complex and specialized legal process. Don’t cut corners; consult JD.MD for initial case evaluations and expert witness services. Call us today at 1-800-225-5363