A recent study by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services reveals that only 14 percent of medical errors are reported.

Another study from 2004 showed that nearly 200,000 people die a year from these mistakes; that number does not account for medical mistakes that caused permanent or temporary injuries. It is estimated that nearly 9 million Americans a year become victims of errors, errors that are usually not reported.

One way to avoid becoming an innocent victim is to research the hospitals in your area. Going to a five-star hospital could lower your chance of experiencing in-hospital complications by 63 percent.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a medical mistake, contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. today at 800-346-5529 to get the support you need.