Medical malpractice is a widespread problem, but public awareness is still surprisingly low. Studies place the annual number of deaths resulting from medical malpractice between 80,000 and 98,000. Beyond this, countless injuries and illness occur every year because of preventable medical errors. The most staggering statistic is that, according to predictions, only about two percent of injured patients pursue legal compensation by means of a lawsuit. A different study found a slightly higher percentage, with almost thirteen percent filing lawsuits.  Of these, less than seven percent recovered any damages. Considering the extent of the problem, these numbers are extraordinarily low.