Many people have heard the common advice of owning up to one's mistakes before getting caught. Now, research reveals that when medical errors are proactively sought and compensation offered when at fault, the number of legal claims decreased. The study debunks the notion that health care and health insurance costs will rise if such information is openly brought forth.

University of Michigan chief risk officer and study co-author Richard Boothman says that the study shows that expenses won't necessarily rise if medical errors are fully disclosed.

"This shows that over time, hospitals can afford to do the right thing," says Boothman. "It demonstrates what we have believed to be true for some time: the sky won't fall in by pursuing a pro-active and honest approach to medical mistakes."

Medical errors can have major adverse effects on patient safety. Research by the Institute of Medicine found that thousands of people die each year due to medical errors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that patients try to be proactive in their care by keeping track of all their medications and getting results of all medical tests taken.