Entire system is to blame for high costs

When will the outrageous, erroneous cause and effect allegations stop? I am so tired of the victims of medical malpractice being blamed for the malpractice crisis.

My beautiful young husband, father of three, died last year due to medical malpractice.

I am writing this in response to a program on TV, which was presented “infomercial” style and was narrated by Maria Shriver.

It was paid for by Doctors for Medical Liability Reform. I wish they would spend their money cleaning up the profession. In most states, 4 percent of the doctors are responsible for the medical malpractice payouts.

Public relations firms certainly do their job well. Maria Shriver, in this piece of propaganda, describes how medical malpractice payouts are causing the medical malpractice insurance premiums to be so high. Please!

The whole medical crisis is a multifaceted, complex problem. Several factors are contributing to it. The biggest problem is the “big business” medicine has become in this country instead of about quality, affordable care.

The last time we heard from Maria (other than when she campaigned for her husband) she appeared on morning shows to promote her children’s books. Ironically, one book was about coping with deaths in a family. I actually bought the book for my 7-year-old, who witnessed his dad dying on our living room floor.

Do those of us who have suffered so severely from bad medical outcomes now have to be subjected to these commercials about how we victims are the problem?

I am pleading with the public. Become informed. Go to the Washington State Trial Lawyers Web site. Hear the many, many horrendous stories of how people’s lives have been changed forever due to medical malpractice. Learn what happens to middle class people after a medical catastrophe. It’s not a pretty picture.

Most importantly, go to the polls in November. Our whole medical system needs to change. Don’t wait until you or your loved one becomes a medical malpractice statistic.

LESLIE LASHER

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Trump’s aid cut will cost U.S. influence

The last time the U.S. pulled back its aid to other countries,… Continue reading

Musk’s financial access is a threat to personal data, payments

Recently Elon Musk along with six young men between 19-24 were able… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

Trump’s attempt to end it, almost certainly unconstitutional, won’t fix the nation’s problems at its borders.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.