What to Do If You Experience Medical Malpractice During Medical Tourism in Turkey

Turkey has become one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of patients each year who seek affordable and high-quality healthcare. From cosmetic surgeries and dental treatments to hair transplants and advanced surgical procedures, the country offers a wide range of medical services at competitive prices.

However, with the rapid growth of medical tourism comes an increase in medical malpractice cases—and for foreign patients, experiencing negligence in another country can be particularly stressful, confusing, and overwhelming.

At Oran Partners, Turkey’s only law firm exclusively focused on medical malpractice, we specialize in representing international clients who have suffered due to substandard medical care. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to take if you believe you have been a victim of malpractice while receiving treatment in Turkey.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing harm to the patient.

Common warning signs include:

  • Unexpected Complications – Severe pain, infections, excessive bleeding, or poor wound healing after a procedure.
  • Poor Surgical Outcomes – Visible asymmetry, deformity, or scarring after cosmetic surgery.
  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – Being treated for the wrong condition or experiencing harmful delays in receiving a correct diagnosis.
  • Medication Errors – Receiving the wrong drug or an incorrect dosage.
  • Lack of Informed Consent – Undergoing a procedure without fully understanding the associated risks or alternatives.

If any of these occur, take them seriously and prepare to act immediately.

Step 2: Prioritize Your Health – Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health must come first. If you suspect malpractice:

  • Consult Another Healthcare Provider – Seek a second opinion from a different clinic or hospital. This independent evaluation can confirm whether malpractice occurred and determine the extent of the damage.
  • Document Everything – Request copies of all medical records, test results, prescriptions, and communications with your original provider.
  • Avoid Continuing Treatment with the Negligent Provider – Further care from the same facility could worsen your condition and harm your legal claim.

Getting a timely, independent assessment helps protect your health and preserves crucial evidence for your case.

Step 3: Gather and Preserve Evidence

A successful medical malpractice case depends on strong, well-organized evidence. Start collecting the following:

  1. Medical Records – Complete treatment history, including surgical reports, prescriptions, diagnostic images, and discharge summaries.
  2. Prescriptions and Bills – Keep all receipts, invoices, and payment records related to your treatment and any corrective care.
  3. Photographic Evidence – Take clear, dated photos of visible injuries, scars, or post-surgical complications.
  4. Witness Statements – If someone accompanied you during treatment, ask them to provide a detailed written account.

The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your legal position will be.

Step 4: Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Turkey

Navigating a foreign legal system is challenging, especially when you’re also recovering from an injury. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you:

  • Evaluate Your Case – Determine if the provider failed to meet professional standards.
  • Communicate with the Hospital or Clinic – Handle all discussions, preventing miscommunication and protecting your interests.
  • Negotiate a Settlement – Many cases can be resolved without going to court, securing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
  • Litigate if Necessary – If settlement is not possible, your lawyer can represent you in Turkish courts.

At Oran Partners, we have a proven track record in securing justice for international clients by combining legal expertise with deep medical knowledge.

Step 5: Understand Your Rights and Potential Compensation

Under Turkish law, foreign patients have the same legal rights as Turkish citizens when pursuing a malpractice claim. If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to:

  • Medical Expenses – Corrective surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs.
  • Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to recovery time or inability to work.
  • Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Future Medical Costs – Anticipated expenses for long-term care or additional corrective procedures.

A skilled lawyer will work to ensure you are fully compensated for both current and future losses.

Step 6: Report the Incident to Medical Authorities

In addition to pursuing legal action, you can file complaints with:

  • Turkish Ministry of Health – Oversees healthcare standards and investigates complaints.
  • Turkish Medical Association – Regulates medical professionals and can take disciplinary action.
  • Accreditation Bodies – If the clinic is internationally accredited, you may file a complaint with the accrediting organization.

Important: Before filing official complaints, consult your lawyer to ensure that this step supports your legal strategy and doesn’t compromise your case.

Why Foreign Patients Are at Greater Risk

International patients often face unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to malpractice:

  • Language Barriers – Miscommunication about symptoms, treatment plans, or risks.
  • Unfamiliar Medical Standards – Variations in healthcare quality compared to home countries.
  • Limited Follow-Up Care – Difficulties in getting aftercare once they return home.
  • Attraction to Low-Cost Clinics – Choosing unlicensed or poorly regulated facilities based solely on price.

At Oran Partners, we help overcome these challenges through multilingual legal support, medical expert consultations, and direct access to medical records in Turkey.

Why Choose Oran Partners for Your Case

We are Turkey’s only law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice.

Our strengths include:

  • Specialized Expertise – Deep understanding of both medical procedures and malpractice law.
  • International Case Experience – Representing clients from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond.
  • Proven Results – Securing favorable settlements and verdicts in complex, high-stakes cases.
  • Transparent Communication – Keeping clients informed at every step.

Take Action Without Delay

Time is critical in medical malpractice cases. Turkish law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims—often 2 to 5 years, depending on the case. Acting quickly ensures:

  • Evidence is preserved before it’s lost or altered.
  • Witness memories remain fresh.
  • Your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Free Case Evaluation – Oran Partners

If you have experienced medical malpractice during medical tourism in Turkey, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and outline the best course of action.