According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the third leading cause of death in the United States is medical negligence, following heart disease and cancer. Forbes reported that in 2012, medical malpractice yielded over $3 billion in payouts – that's one payout every 43 minutes.

Considering the magnitude of medical malpractice, is there anything that you can do to avoid becoming another statistic? Yes, there are things that you can do, but you have to be your own best health advocate.

Lessening the Likelihood of Becoming a Victim

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider delivers substandard medical care and as a result, the patient suffers injuries or damages. Essentially, it boils down to negligence.

What can you do to lessen the likelihood of experiencing medical malpractice? For starters, you want to be proactive about your medical care. This means doing your research and learning about your medical condition.

You want to understand the condition, its symptoms, the tests, the treatments and the medications prescribed for it. When you see your healthcare provider, bring a written list of questions and demand full answers.

Don't be intimidated by your doctor or the medical system. Speak up for yourself and don't be afraid to question your doctor if you don't think they are ordering the proper tests or providing the best treatment.

While you want to listen to your doctor, don't forget to listen to your body. If you feel like a symptom is being downplayed or ignored by your doctor, or if you think you've been misdiagnosed, don't be afraid to speak up or get a second opinion!

If your gut tells you that you're not receiving quality medical care, look for a new doctor. Your health is too important to place it in the hands of a doctor who isn't answering your questions, or who is not giving your concerns the attention they deserve.

If you've been injured by a doctor, nurse, or hospital, contact a medical malpractice attorney to file a claim for compensation!