Cases Of Medical Negligence
In South Africa the healthcare system consists of two sectors namely the larger public sector and the smaller, but fast- growing, private sector. Within these two sectors health care varies from the point where patients can expect some of the most basic primary health care, which the state offers for free, to the most specialised hi-tech health services which unfortunately is mainly only available to the private sector who can afford such treatment and care. Although these two sectors differ much, especially with regards to expenditure, both still suffer due to a number of cases of medical negligence each year. One can’t be too hard on the medical professionals at all times however as many, specifically those working in the public sector, suffer as the institutions are under-resourced and over-used, causing the practitioners to be over-worked whilst being under-paid.
Cases of medical negligence tend to differ greatly as the circumstances of no two cases are alike. Medical law is often also described as being very intricate, thus requiring the assistance of specialised medical attorneys to interpret and help both patients and medical practitioners. Medical negligence can occur during the three phases of treatment: diagnosis; treatment; and illness management. Say for instance that you were misdiagnosed which led to the incorrect treatment or surgery being performed you will be sure to have suffered due to such malpractice. Another form of medical negligence lies in the act of failing to inform the patient of alternative treatments or procedures that are available. These kind of acts fail to meet the accepted standards of practice which all medical professionals have sworn to uphold by always keeping what’s best for the patient at the forefront.
When medical professionals or institutions fail to meet these high standards and as a result the patient suffered, it is well within the right of the patient to seek the proper assistance of medical attorneys to take their case of medical negligence to the most appropriate council or court. If you feel this is the case with you or a family member please contact Adele van der Walt Attorneys Inc. and allow their highly dedicated legal team to assist you today.
For more information on this subject, please give us a call at 012 460 3668 (SA) or e-mail us at clare@avdw.co.za
