We tried to quantify this perception in a recent national poll, asking 1,001 Americans whether they agree or disagree with the following statement:
If a medical mistake occurs in a hospital, then the hospital is responsible for everything that happens under its roof. The results show that seven out of 10 jurors are likely to assume from the outset that a hospital is responsible for the actions of any and all doctors practicing within the hospital walls.
STRONGLY AGREE: 47.3%
SOMEWHAT AGREE: 28.1%
SOMEWHAT DISAGREE: 11.2%
STRONGLY DISAGREE: 9.2%
DON’T KNOW/REFUSE: 4.2%
In addition, these perceptions of blanket responsibility increase as jurors' education and household income levels decreased. In fact, 63% of jurors with less than a high school education and 57% of those with only a high school education strongly agreed, compared to 46% of college graduates and 40% of those with post-graduate study or degrees. Finally, 64%of those with household incomes of less than $30,000 strongly agreed, while just 36% of those with household incomes of more than $100,000 strongly agreed.
Overcoming the predisposition is possible, but as you can see , getting the right jurors--and the right message--is key.
*The poll, conducted from July 24-27, surveyed 1,001 U.S. residents older than 18 and has a 3.1% margin of error.
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