(COLORADO) — Colorado ranks third in the nation for the highest rate of medical malpractice, a new study found. According to an analysis of adverse action reports (AAR) provided by the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB), 25.60 per 100,000 people in Colorado have taken action against a physician, dentist, or health care practitioner.

Between 2013 and 2023, the number of medical malpractice cases jumped 15% in Colorado. The state with the highest rate of medical malpractice is Louisiana, with a rate of 28.55 per 100,000 people. Wyoming is in second place, with a rate of 26.18 per 100,000 people. Hawaii is the lowest, with only 4.26 people per 100,000 reporting medical malpractice.

“It is hard to pinpoint an exact cause for medical malpractice; it can stem from imprudence, inexperience, or negligence,” said Robert Rikard, from RP Legal Group, the personal injury lawyers who carried out the analysis. “Practitioners and healthcare workers must ensure they have thorough training and are up to date with advances in the healthcare system to reduce potential malpractice.”

“If we look at 2023 figures alone, there were 26,805 reports filed throughout America,” Rikard continued, “with Texas having the highest number of reports filed (2,870). These figures are incredibly high and indicate an issue within healthcare systems and protocols that must be revisited to prevent malpractice.”