The board in charge of reviewing medical malpractice & negligence in New Jersey threw out over 90% of complaints against surgeons and physicians last year. The board received 1,017 complaints per the 33,000 licensed practicioners in New Jersey. Those complaints resulted in only 45 license suspensions and 24 license revocations or volunteer surrenders. The Public Citizen, a national, non-profit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy, says that the NJ Board is not being diligent or pro-active enough in taking action against negligent and careless practicioners. Dr. Sidney M. Wolfe, the group’s health director, says:

“There are other states around the same size that consistently discipline more doctors.”

The Public Citizen compared the number of disciplinary actions taken with the number of doctors in every state and determined that New Jersey placed 40th among 50 states and Washington D.C. when it came to placing sanctions on doctors. It wasn’t much of a change from their ranking as 41st in the country last year. Dr. Paul C. Mendelowitz, president of NJ’s Medical Board, declined to comment on the low rate of doctor discipline. Complaints are not public record.

“I don’t get the sense that the board does very much in the way of oversight,” said Chatham Lawyer David Freid. The board’s lack of tenacity in disciplining negligent doctors gives doctors no reason to pay more attention to the quality of care they provide. Hopefully, New Jersey does not become a haven for negligent and careless doctors.

New Jersey Medical Malpractice and the Mininno Law Office

Medical Malpractice is very serious issue. If you or a loved one have been negatively affected by the negligence or mistakes of a doctor or surgeon in New Jersey, you’ll need to seek the assistance of a qualified New Jersey Medical Malpractice & Negligence Attorney. At the Mininno Law Office, our Medical Malpractice Attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call us for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. Let us help you receive the recoveries you are owed.