How Often Are Medical Negligence Claims Successful?

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March 25, 2025

Understanding Medical Negligence Claims

When patients suffer harm due to medical mistakes, they often wonder if they have a case for medical negligence. But how often do these claims actually succeed? The answer depends on multiple factors, including the strength of the evidence, expert testimony, and legal representation.

If you’re considering filing a claim, it’s important to understand the likelihood of success and what you can do to improve your chances.

What Counts as a Successful Medical Negligence Claim?

Before we talk numbers, let’s define what “success” means in a medical negligence case. A successful claim typically means:

The plaintiff (injured patient) receives compensation, either through a settlement or a court verdict.
The defendant (doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider) accepts liability or is found legally responsible.
The compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages.

The majority of medical negligence cases never reach trial because they are resolved through settlements. However, some cases do go to court, and the success rate varies depending on whether the case is settled or litigated.

What Percentage of Medical Negligence Claims Are Successful?

Medical malpractice claims tend to be more challenging to win compared to other personal injury cases. Here’s why:

Doctors and hospitals fight aggressively to defend themselves.
The burden of proof is on the patient to demonstrate negligence.
Courts require strong medical evidence and expert testimony to prove a claim.

1. The Success Rate of Settlements

According to various studies, about 80-90% of medical negligence claims are settled before trial. This means that the majority of patients who file a claim receive some form of compensation.

Settlements are often preferred because:

They avoid lengthy legal battles that can take years.
Both sides can negotiate an agreement without the unpredictability of a trial.
The cost of litigation is reduced for both parties.

While settlements often mean less money than a full trial victory, they provide a guaranteed outcome rather than risking a loss in court.

2. The Success Rate of Cases That Go to Trial

When a medical malpractice case goes to trial, the success rate drops significantly. Studies suggest that:

Doctors win 70-80% of the cases that go to trial.
Patients win about 20-30% of trials—meaning most cases that proceed to court result in a loss for the plaintiff.

This is because:

Doctors have powerful legal teams defending them.
Juries often side with doctors, especially if they believe medicine is complex and errors are unavoidable.
Proving negligence requires convincing expert witnesses, which isn’t always easy.

So, while most cases settle successfully, the odds of winning a trial are much lower.

Why Some Medical Negligence Claims Fail

Not all medical negligence claims lead to compensation. Some common reasons why cases fail include:

1. Lack of Evidence

For a claim to succeed, patients must prove that:

The healthcare provider owed them a duty of care.
The provider breached that duty by acting negligently.
The negligence directly caused harm or injury.

Without strong medical records, expert testimony, and clear proof of negligence, a case may be dismissed.

2. The Injury Wasn’t Caused by Negligence

Even if a patient suffers serious complications, that doesn’t automatically mean a doctor was negligent. Some procedures carry inherent risks, and bad outcomes don’t always mean malpractice.

If a doctor can prove that the treatment was appropriate based on medical standards, the case may not hold up.

3. The Statute of Limitations Expired

Every state has a deadline for filing medical malpractice claims. In Minnesota, the statute of limitations is generally four years from the date of the negligent act.

If a claim is filed too late, it will likely be dismissed, regardless of its merit.

4. The Defendant Has a Strong Legal Defense

Hospitals and doctors have powerful insurance companies and legal teams working to disprove claims. They often:

Argue that the patient’s injury was unavoidable.
Blame other factors, such as the patient’s medical history.
Challenge expert witness testimony to weaken the claim.

How to Improve Your Chances of Success

If you’re considering a medical negligence claim, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of winning.

1. Hire an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Having a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer like Mark Perron on your side is crucial. A skilled lawyer will:

Review your case to determine if you have a strong claim.
Gather the necessary evidence, including medical records and expert opinions.
Negotiate with the hospital or insurance company for a fair settlement.
Take the case to trial if necessary and fight for maximum compensation.

2. Get Strong Medical Evidence

Your case will only be successful if you can prove clear medical negligence. Strong evidence includes:

Medical records showing improper treatment or misdiagnosis.
Expert witness testimony from a medical professional who can explain what went wrong.
Documentation of financial losses, including medical bills and lost wages.

3. Act Quickly

Because of the four-year statute of limitations in Minnesota, waiting too long to file a claim could result in losing your right to compensation. If you suspect malpractice, consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

4. Be Open to Settlement Negotiations

Since most successful cases end in settlement, being open to negotiations can lead to a better outcome than going to trial. Your attorney can help you negotiate a fair payout while avoiding the risks of a courtroom battle.

Conclusion: Are Medical Negligence Claims Worth Pursuing?

While medical negligence claims aren’t always easy to win, they are often successful through settlements. Even though doctors win most trials, a large percentage of cases end with out-of-court compensation.

If you believe you’ve been harmed due to medical malpractice, working with a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer like Mark Perron can make all the difference. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate a strong settlement.If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t wait—contact a lawyer today to discuss your options.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.