Medical errors can lead to serious health consequences and significant harm to the patient. When there is reason to suspect improper medical treatment or medical negligence, it is important to act promptly and carefully, so that the case can be objectively assessed and the patient’s rights protected.

Below is some practical guidance that may prove useful if you believe you have been affected by medical malpractice.

1. Gather All Medical Records

Medical records are the primary source of information when assessing potential medical negligence. It is advisable to collect all available documents relating to your treatment.

These may include:

discharge summaries (epicrises)
outpatient records
laboratory test results
imaging studies (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
prescriptions and prescribed treatment
informed consent forms
surgical reports
a copy of the inpatient medical history file
minutes of medical board (consilium) meetings
observation charts and temperature charts
nursing records
internal hospital protocols relating to the treatment provided

Some of these documents are not routinely handed to the patient upon discharge. The patient, however, has the right to request a copy of their medical records from the healthcare facility.

2. Write Down the Details of Your Treatment

It is helpful to describe, in as much detail as possible, the course of your treatment and the events that led to the injury. Such information may include:

when the treatment took place
at which healthcare facility it was carried out
which physicians were involved
what symptoms appeared after the treatment
what complications or injuries occurred

This information is often essential to the subsequent legal and medical assessment of the case.

3. Seek a Second Medical Opinion

Our firm works with a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists from various fields of medicine, who take part in the independent evaluation of each individual case. This approach allows for an in-depth analysis of the medical records, the treatment provided, and the applicable medical standards. By combining legal expertise with specialised medical knowledge, we ensure an objective assessment of the facts and support the development of a sound legal strategy in every case.

4. Consult a Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases are often complex and require both medical and legal expertise. Consulting a lawyer can help determine:

whether there are grounds for bringing a claim
what evidence is required
what legal avenues are available

Seeking legal advice at an early stage often makes it easier to properly collect and preserve evidence.

5. Explore the Options for Protecting Your Rights

Depending on the specific circumstances, various avenues may be available for protecting the patient’s rights, including:

court-ordered preservation and collection of evidence
bringing a claim for damages
filing a complaint with the competent regulatory authorities

The choice of the appropriate strategy depends on the particular circumstances of the case.

6. Act Without Delay

Legal claims are subject to limitation periods. It is therefore important to take action within a reasonable time after the harm has been identified.

If you believe you have suffered harm as a result of medical negligence, a timely legal and medical assessment of your case can be crucial to protecting your rights and interests. A proper analysis of the medical records and the evidence gathered makes it possible to determine whether there are grounds for pursuing liability.

What to Do in Cases of Medical Malpractice: Practical Advice