This State Sees the Highest Fatality Rate Due to Medical Care Complications

Health and Healthcare

Hawaii+hospital+emergency | 190823-N-AW702-005

Published: July 15, 2024 10:10 am

Each year, over 35 million Americans end up in hospitals due to accidents, surgeries, and life-threatening illnesses. Though many of us think of hospitals as safe places offering great care, this is not always the case. The majority of doctors and hospital staff seek to ensure patient experience is both high quality and comforting. However, accidents and oversights still happen.

There were 21,345 deaths due to complications of medical and surgical care in the U.S. from 2018 to 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These are deaths to patients that are a direct result of medical and surgical care such adverse drug reactions, contracting a serious infection, bleeding from surgery, and more. Some are direct results of medical staff errors.

A 2016 Johns Hopkins study was even more shocking. It revealed medical error to be the third leading cause of death in the United States, with 250,000 people losing their life each year. And sadly, these numbers are likely even higher. The CDC coding system, which is used to record cause of death on American death certificates, does not account for poor communication or bad judgment. It also doesn’t factor in diagnostic mistakes.

In the 49 states on the list (South Dakota was excluded as the CDC deemed the data unreliable), there were anywhere from 0.7 deaths from such compilations per 100,000 people in California to 2.61 deaths per 100,000 people in Wyoming. Mississippi, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Kansas round out the five states with the most deaths due to complications per capita.

Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, and Wisconsin round out the five states with the lowest reported deaths from medical care complications per capita.

To determine the states with the most deaths from complications of medical and surgery, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on mortality due to medical complications from the CDC’s WONDER database. States were ranked based on the number of deaths due to complications of medical and surgical care per 100,000 state residents from 2018 to 2021. Mortality data is age-adjusted. Mortality data for South Dakota was unreliable per the CDC and was excluded from our analysis.

Supplemental data used to calculate the average dollar amount of medical malpractice payouts per resident from 2010 to 2022 are from the National Practitioner Data Ban of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population and Housing Unit Estimates program and are inflation adjusted. Data on median annual salary for health care practitioners and technical occupations are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program and are for 2022. Data on the percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with private health insurance is from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey.

Why We Are Mentioning This

In America, health insurance and access to healthcare remain primary concerns, especially when it comes to political debates. With almost one in 10 uninsured Americans, many cannot afford healthcare and worry astronomical healthcare bills will be their downfall. However, many of us do not look beyond affordability to consider whether the hospitals they so greatly need are actually safe. As American citizens, we should all be aware of which states pose the greatest risk when it comes to medical error.

49. California

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 0.70 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 1,283 or 6.0% of all deaths — 3rd highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $7.52 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $45,786 for 82,674 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $105,710
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 63.8%

48. Hawaii

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.12 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 83 or 0.4% of all deaths — 7th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $11.99 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $178,208 for 1,239 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $99,540
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 75.0%

47. Massachusetts

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.13 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 392 or 1.8% of all deaths — 18th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $28.22 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $193,409 for 12,920 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $85,320
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.4%

46. New York

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.16 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 1,169 or 5.5% of all deaths — 4th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $40.79 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $299,023 for 34,821 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $90,600
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 65.4%

45. Wisconsin

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.17 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 356 or 1.7% of all deaths — 21st highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $4.83 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $38,354 for 9,483 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $77,320
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.3%

44. Delaware

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.18 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 65 or 0.3% of all deaths — 4th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $13.53 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $58,914 for 2,846 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $79,310
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 71.8%

43. Louisiana

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.19 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 265 or 1.2% of all deaths — 19th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $15.80 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $44,178 for 21,529 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $63,610
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 58.1%

42. Maryland

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.22 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 356 or 1.7% of all deaths — 21st highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $19.42 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $109,242 for 13,870 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $83,500
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 72.8%

41. Illinois

Maryland hospital emergency | Doctor and nurse running in corridor from behind

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.22 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 738 or 3.5% of all deaths — 8th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $21.17 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $146,213 for 24,072 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $76,650
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 69.3%

40. New Jersey

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.23 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 536 or 2.5% of all deaths — 13th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $31.45 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $172,158 for 21,270 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $92,370
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 71.2%

39. Colorado

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.25 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 318 or 1.5% of all deaths — 23rd lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.67 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $30,817 for 20,106 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $82,000
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 70.5%

38. Michigan

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.25 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 632 or 3.0% of all deaths — 9th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.40 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $39,622 for 27,442 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $76,240
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 70.4%

37. Connecticut

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.25 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 237 or 1.1% of all deaths — 17th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $24.90 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $202,225 for 5,749 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $84,240
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.9%

36. Virginia

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.27 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 517 or 2.4% of all deaths — 15th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $9.62 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $50,701 for 20,711 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $76,900
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.0%

35. Nebraska

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.30 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 126 or 0.6% of all deaths — 11th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.63 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $35,979 for 5,932 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $67,520
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.6%

34. Georgia

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.32 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 612 or 2.9% of all deaths — 10th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $14.03 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $139,500 for 13,473 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $75,050
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 66.6%

33. Missouri

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.33 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 399 or 1.9% of all deaths — 17th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $12.48 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $61,904 for 15,961 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $63,870
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.8%

32. Arizona

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.34 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 500 or 2.3% of all deaths — 16th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $12.34 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $55,409 for 20,027 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $79,390
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 63.9%

31. Rhode Island

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.38 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 75 or 0.4% of all deaths — 5th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $28.18 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $179,926 for 2,169 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $82,330
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 70.5%

30. Florida

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.38 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 1,682 or 7.9% of all deaths — 2nd highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $15.98 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $87,496 for 48,732 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $72,780
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 63.6%

29. Oklahoma

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.40 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 262 or 1.2% of all deaths — 18th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $12.30 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $38,831 for 16,073 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $63,580
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 61.7%

28. Alabama

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.40 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 339 or 1.6% of all deaths — 25th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $7.63 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $30,698 for 15,809 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $59,810
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 67.0%

27. New Hampshire

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.42 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 104 or 0.5% of all deaths — 9th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $21.10 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $129,193 for 2,864 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $80,000
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 75.6%

26. Montana

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.42 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 86 or 0.4% of all deaths — 8th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $13.33 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $87,427 for 2,075 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $75,380
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 65.2%

25. Minnesota

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.42 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 390 or 1.8% of all deaths — 19th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $7.53 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $50,058 for 10,812 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $82,260
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 74.7%

24. Alaska

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.43 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 37 or 0.2% of all deaths — the lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $19.10 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $84,324 for 2,160 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $94,680
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 66.4%

23. Pennsylvania

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.43 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 998 or 4.7% of all deaths — 5th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $30.87 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $166,985 for 30,829 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $74,120
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 71.2%

22. Utah

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.45 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 166 or 0.8% of all deaths — 13th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $9.17 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $58,017 for 6,284 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $72,890
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 78.4%

21. South Carolina

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.46 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 389 or 1.8% of all deaths — 20th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $10.43 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $64,352 for 10,433 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $66,420
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 66.9%

20. North Carolina

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.48 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 748 or 3.5% of all deaths — 7th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $5.82 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $49,898 for 15,368 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $66,650
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 67.8%

19. Texas

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.52 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 1,784 or 8.4% of all deaths — the highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $4.42 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $22,829 for 69,737 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $74,600
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 62.8%

18. Kentucky

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.54 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 339 or 1.6% of all deaths — 25th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $11.00 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $52,301 for 12,138 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $64,540
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 62.8%

17. Nevada

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.56 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 226 or 1.1% of all deaths — 16th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $9.12 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $49,346 for 7,037 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $82,050
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 63.4%

16. Maine

Nevada hospital emergency | Empty hospital emergency room

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.56 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 124 or 0.6% of all deaths — 10th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $16.42 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $65,269 for 4,390 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $76,400
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.7%

15. Ohio

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.63 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 964 or 4.5% of all deaths — 6th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.62 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $37,050 for 35,222 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $69,960
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.1%

14. Washington

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.63 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 574 or 2.7% of all deaths — 12th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $10.89 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $44,590 for 23,155 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $96,530
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 70.8%

13. Oregon

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.63 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 350 or 1.6% of all deaths — 24th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $13.89 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $50,468 for 14,563 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $100,480
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 67.1%

12. Iowa

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.63 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 267 or 1.3% of all deaths — 20th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $10.34 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $61,806 for 6,811 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $64,070
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.3%

11. Indiana

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.66 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 532 or 2.5% of all deaths — 14th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $11.25 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $60,077 for 16,200 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $66,760
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.4%

10. North Dakota

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.74 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 63 or 0.3% of all deaths — 3rd lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $4.45 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $19,295 for 2,227 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $65,210
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 78.4%

9. Tennessee

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.76 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 591 or 2.8% of all deaths — 11th highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.10 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $42,624 for 16,479 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $63,700
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 67.2%

8. Idaho

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.78 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 143 or 0.7% of all deaths — 12th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $8.69 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $82,120 for 2,359 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $74,630
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 68.3%

7. Vermont

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.78 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 59 or 0.3% of all deaths — 2nd lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $9.42 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $35,786 for 2,157 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $77,230
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 70.0%

6. West Virginia

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.81 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 184 or 0.9% of all deaths — 14th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $21.26 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $82,852 for 6,087 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $61,350
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 61.8%

5. Kansas

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.94 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 273 or 1.3% of all deaths — 21st lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $11.60 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $47,938 for 9,146 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $64,570
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 73.7%

4. New Mexico

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 1.96 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 206 or 1.0% of all deaths — 15th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $21.32 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $118,078 for 4,917 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $78,560
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 54.4%

3. Arkansas

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 2.09 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 311 or 1.5% of all deaths — 22nd lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $7.84 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $31,206 for 9,761 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $60,660
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 60.0%

2. Mississippi

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 2.58 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 352 or 1.6% of all deaths — 23rd highest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $7.67 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $39,856 for 7,448 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $60,190
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 61.5%

1. Wyoming

Deaths from medical and surgical care complications, 2018-2021: 2.61 per 100,000 people
Total deaths of these complications, 2018-2021: 79 or 0.4% of all deaths — 6th lowest
Medical malpractice payouts, 2010-2022: $10.89 per capita (nat’l avg: $14.38)
Avg. medical malpractice payout, 2010-2022: $36,728 for 2,231 cases (nat’l avg payout: $77,552)
Median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, 2022: $76,920
Population with private health insurance, 2022: 71.0%

The #1 Thing to Do Before You Claim Social Security ^(Sponsor)

Choosing the right (or wrong) time to claim Social Security can dramatically change your retirement. So, before making one of the biggest decisions of your financial life, it’s a smart idea to get an extra set of eyes on your complete financial situation.

A financial advisor can help you decide the right Social Security option for you and your family. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you optimize your Social Security outcomes.

Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!

By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.

By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.

Read more: Health and Healthcare, deaths due to medical care, doctors, healthcare, malpractice, medical care complications, Mississippi, surgeons, surgery complications, Wyoming

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.

Has Apple Sold 20 Million iPhone 15s?

5 Sizzling Cathie Wood ARK Investment Stocks Trade...

The State With The Highest Divorce Rate

These Americans Own the Most Guns: Every State Ranked