When Surgery Becomes a Legal Matter

Istanbul is globally renowned for its affordable, high-quality healthcare services, particularly in cosmetic and elective surgeries. From rhinoplasty and dental implants to hair transplants and bariatric procedures, thousands of international patients travel to the city every year for medical tourism.

However, while most procedures go smoothly, surgical errors do happen. When surgery results in pain, complications, or permanent damage due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, the issue is no longer medical — it’s legal.

This is where a medical malpractice lawyer Istanbul becomes crucial.


What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, surgeon, or hospital fails to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm to the patient. In Istanbul, medical malpractice can stem from:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
  • Surgical errors (wrong-site surgery, nerve damage, excessive tissue removal)
  • Inadequate sterilization and infections
  • Anesthesia mistakes
  • Lack of informed consent
  • Post-operative negligence or lack of follow-up care

To learn more about the definition and key elements of malpractice, see our guide on What Is Medical Malpractice?


Why Istanbul?

Istanbul’s booming medical tourism sector has created both opportunity and risk. While many facilities are modern and professional, the high demand has also led to:

  • Overworked or underqualified medical staff
  • Clinics cutting corners to reduce costs
  • Language barriers that impact informed consent
  • Limited follow-up support for international patients

If you’ve undergone surgery gone wrong in Istanbul, you need someone who understands both the Turkish legal system and international patient rights.


Why Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Istanbul?

1. They Understand Turkish Medical Laws

Turkey has specific legal procedures for medical negligence cases. A local malpractice lawyer understands:

  • The Turkish Civil Code’s provisions on liability
  • Statute of limitations (generally 5 years for malpractice claims)
  • Requirements for proving medical negligence:
    • Duty of care
    • Breach of duty
    • Causation
    • Damages

More information on how to prove negligence is detailed in our guide: How to Prove Medical Negligence in Turkey


2. They Help You Gather the Right Evidence

A strong malpractice case in Istanbul depends on well-documented evidence, including:

  • Medical records and imaging
  • Consent forms
  • Before-and-after photos
  • Expert opinions
  • Communication with the clinic or surgeon

Your lawyer will also assist you in translating and authenticating these documents for Turkish courts.


3. They Provide Bilingual Legal Support

Most legal documents in Turkey must be submitted in Turkish. If you’re an international patient, a medical malpractice lawyer Istanbul can bridge the language gap, offering bilingual support during:

  • Court filings
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Medical expert consultations
  • Cross-border coordination

4. They Handle Remote Representation

If you’ve returned to your home country, you may not be able to travel back for every legal step. A trusted lawyer in Istanbul can represent you remotely, attend court sessions on your behalf, and manage all paperwork.

Explore how we assist international clients in our dedicated article: Medical Malpractice for Foreign Nationals in Turkey


What Types of Surgeries Often Lead to Malpractice Cases?

Medical malpractice claims in Istanbul frequently involve:


What Compensation Can You Claim?

With the help of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer Istanbul, you can seek compensation for:

  • Corrective Medical Costs – surgeries, medication, rehab
  • Lost Wages – due to recovery or disability
  • Pain & Suffering – both physical and emotional
  • Future Medical Needs – for long-term recovery
  • Punitive Damages – in cases of extreme negligence

How to Start Your Claim

  1. Document the Harm
    Take photos, collect all medical reports, and note timelines.
  2. Get a Second Opinion
    Consult with an independent doctor to evaluate the damage.
  3. Contact a Specialized Lawyer
    Reach out to a firm like Oran Partners for a case review.
  4. Initiate Legal Action
    Your lawyer will handle complaints, evidence collection, negotiations, or court filings.

Explore our full guide: Turkey Medical Malpractice Lawyer – What You Need to Know


Why Choose Oran Partners?

  • Exclusively Focused on Medical Malpractice
  • 100+ Years of Combined Experience
  • Multilingual Legal Team
  • Successful International Cases
  • Transparent Communication

We are the only law firm in Turkey exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice — and we know how to protect your rights when surgery goes wrong.


Conclusion: Take Action, Protect Your Rights

If you’ve experienced negligence during surgery in Turkey, don’t wait. Delays can weaken your case or exceed the legal time limit. A qualified medical malpractice lawyer Istanbul can guide you through every step toward justice and fair compensation.

Reach out today for a free consultation. Contact Oran Partners