Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice law is highly specialised and is subject to legal principles and rules of procedure that differ from other areas of the law. If you’re a victim of medical malpractice, it’s imperative that you consult an attorney with expertise in this complex field of law.
Common medical negligence claims
Common examples of actions giving rise to medical malpractice claims include:
- inappropriate intervention to address complications of labour and birth
- prescription errors
- hospital or emergency room negligence
- treatment delays
- misread x-rays or mammograms
- negligence in diagnosing and/or treating breast cancer
- plastic surgery malpractice
- dental malpractice
- paediatric malpractice
- anaesthesia malpractice
- faulty blood transfusions
- amputation of the wrong limb
- removal of the incorrect organ.
What to do if you’re a victim of medical malpractice
If you believe you are a victim of medical negligence, you have the right to look at your own medical records, charts and information. These records can help you build a solid case.
It’s important to determine what outcome you hope to get by pursuing a medical malpractice case, which may be lengthy and costly. If you wish simply to complain and help protect others from similar malpractice, it’s best to consult the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
If you seek financial restitution for the harm you’ve suffered, contact us to see if you have a claim.