A new national analysis conducted by Claggett, Sykes & Garza has uncovered alarming patterns in medical malpractice and disciplinary actions across the United States. In 2024 alone, there were 50,555 reports filed against healthcare professionals, revealing both systemic issues in U.S. healthcare and the types of medical practitioners most often under scrutiny.
The report, based on the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), breaks down complaint trends by profession, state, and rate of incident per 1,000 providers—offering a comprehensive snapshot of accountability in American healthcare.
Over $4.9 Billion in Malpractice Payments in 2024
Of the 50,555 total reports:
- 39,167 were adverse action reports (including license suspensions or restrictions)
- 11,388 were medical malpractice payment reports
- The total payout for medical malpractice claims reached $4.93 billion, averaging over $433,000 per case
While financial settlements often grab headlines, the study points to a deeper public health crisis. According to recent research, diagnostic errors alone lead to an estimated 800,000 deaths or permanent disabilities each year in the U.S, a staggering figure that underscores failures in early detection of conditions like stroke, sepsis, and cancer.
Most Reported Medical Professionals in 2024
The professions with the highest number of disciplinary and malpractice reports included:
- Registered Nurses (RNs) – Over 12,000 reports
- Physicians (MDs) – Over 12,000 reports
- Practical Nurses (LPNs) – Over 5,800 reports
- Therapists, counselors, and technicians also ranked among the top 10
These numbers highlight not just medical error but also reflect exposure levels and patient volume. As front-line caregivers, nurses and doctors carry the burden of risk, often with insufficient support or oversight.
Medical Practitioners with the Fewest Complaints
On the other end of the spectrum, some professions saw notably few reports:
- Optometrists – 139 reports
- Dental Hygienists/Assistants – 332
- Psychologists – 344
- Podiatrists – 355
- Chiropractors – 510
These lower numbers may be due to reduced patient contact, fewer high-risk procedures, or smaller patient volumes. However, experts warn this could also reflect blind spots in regulatory oversight.
States With the Most Complaints
In terms of raw volume, large-population states dominated the list:
| Rank | State | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 4,750 |
| 2 | Texas | 4,362 |
| 3 | Florida | 3,337 |
| 4 | Michigan | 2,696 |
| 5 | Ohio | 2,212 |
High volumes often correlate with large healthcare systems and population density. However, they may also point to challenges like provider burnout, high patient loads, or administrative failure.
States With the Fewest Reports
| Rank | State/Region | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | District of Columbia | 52 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 86 |
| 48 | South Dakota | 128 |
| 47 | North Dakota | 130 |
| 46 | Idaho | 144 |
While low population plays a role, the report raises concern over potential underreporting in rural or underserved areas.
Where Complaints Are Most Common: Top States Per 1,000 Providers
To better assess the rate of misconduct, the study examined incidents relative to the number of licensed providers. The top five states with the highest report rates were:
| Rank | State | Reports per 1,000 Providers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 87.31 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 72.70 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 69.57 |
| 4 | Colorado | 66.57 |
| 5 | Georgia | 65.63 |
These rankings shed light on where healthcare issues are most concentrated—not necessarily where populations are largest, but where systems may be most strained.
A Spotlight on Connecticut
Connecticut logged 486 reports in 2024, with:
- Registered Nurses – 161 reports
- Physicians (MDs) – 154
- Practical Nurses – 34
- Dentists, technicians, pharmacists, and others, under 25 each
The data mirrors national trends: the most hands-on practitioners face the most complaints.
The Bigger Picture: Misdiagnosis and Declining Oversight
From 2014 to 2024, total malpractice and disciplinary reports declined by nearly 20%, with the steepest drop during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, malpractice payment rates have remained steady, and experts warn that reduced enforcement may be allowing more medical errors to go unchecked.
“These findings raise serious questions about practitioner burnout, hospital oversight, and the immense strain on our healthcare system,” said a spokesperson from Claggett, Sykes & Garza. “Accountability isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a public health imperative.”
The Cost of Malpractice: A Hidden Healthcare Tax
The consequences of medical negligence extend far beyond courtrooms. Rising insurance premiums, inflated healthcare costs, and defensive medicine are just a few of the ways patients absorb the financial fallout. Long-term care for patients harmed by diagnostic errors adds even more pressure to an already fragile system.
