What to Do If You Experience Medical Malpractice During Medical Tourism in Turkey
Turkey has become one of the top destinations for medical tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of patients each year seeking affordable and high-quality medical care. From cosmetic surgeries and dental treatments to hair transplants and complex surgical procedures, Turkey offers a wide range of medical services at competitive prices. However, the increasing demand for medical tourism has also led to a rise in medical malpractice cases.
Experiencing medical malpractice while undergoing treatment abroad can be stressful and confusing. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal systems, and the complexity of medical procedures can make it difficult for foreign patients to know how to respond. If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice during medical tourism in Turkey, knowing your rights and the steps to take can help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
At Oran Partners, we specialize in handling medical malpractice cases for international clients. This guide outlines the key steps to take if you experience medical 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, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Some common signs of malpractice include:
Unexpected Complications: Severe pain, infections, or poor healing after surgery.
Poor Surgical Outcomes: Asymmetry, scarring, or deformity after cosmetic procedures.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Being treated for the wrong condition or receiving delayed care.
Medication Errors: Being prescribed the wrong drug or incorrect dosage.
Lack of Informed Consent: Undergoing a procedure without fully understanding the risks involved.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights.
Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience complications or suspect malpractice, your health should be your top priority.
Consult another healthcare provider – Visit a different hospital or clinic to receive an independent evaluation of your condition.
Document everything – Request copies of all medical reports, test results, prescriptions, and communication with the original provider.
Avoid further treatment from the negligent provider – Continuing treatment from the same facility may worsen the damage or weaken your legal claim.
Getting a second medical opinion can help confirm whether malpractice occurred and determine the extent of the damage.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Strong evidence is critical to building a successful malpractice claim. Start collecting the following:
Medical Records: Request copies of your medical history, test results, and surgical reports.
Prescriptions and Bills: Keep all receipts and invoices related to your treatment.
Photographic Evidence: Take clear photos of any visible injuries, surgical scars, or complications.
Witness Statements: If anyone accompanied you during the procedure, ask them to provide a written account of what happened.
The more detailed the evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Step 4: Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Turkey
Navigating the Turkish legal system can be challenging for foreign patients, especially when dealing with language barriers and complex medical laws. A qualified medical malpractice lawyer with experience in international cases can help you:
Assess your case – A lawyer will determine if the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
Communicate with the hospital/clinic – Your lawyer can handle communication with the medical facility on your behalf.
Negotiate a settlement – Many cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements, securing compensation for medical costs and emotional distress.
File a lawsuit if necessary – If a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can represent you in Turkish court.
At Oran Partners, we specialize in representing international clients in medical malpractice cases. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by foreign patients and has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes.
Step 5: Understand Your Legal Rights and Compensation
Under Turkish law, victims of medical malpractice are entitled to seek compensation for:
✓ Medical Expenses: Costs for corrective surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
✓ Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work or inability to continue working.
✓ Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by malpractice.
✓ Future Medical Costs: Anticipated costs for future corrective procedures or ongoing treatment.
Your lawyer will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all damages suffered.
Step 6: Report the Incident to Medical Authorities
If you believe a medical facility or doctor acted negligently, you can file a complaint with Turkish medical authorities:
Turkish Ministry of Health – Official government body overseeing medical standards and practices.
Turkish Medical Association – Regulatory body that investigates medical malpractice claims and holds healthcare providers accountable.
Accreditation Bodies – If the facility is internationally accredited, you may be able to file a complaint with the accreditation body.
Filing a formal complaint can help prevent future cases of malpractice and hold negligent providers accountable. However, it’s important to approach this step carefully, as it may not always be the most effective or appropriate course of action depending on the circumstances.
Consulting a lawyer beforehand is strongly advised to ensure your rights are protected and the correct legal steps are taken.
Why Choose Oran Partners for Your Medical Malpractice Case
Oran Partners is the only law firm in Turkey exclusively focused on medical malpractice. We have extensive experience handling complex cases for international clients and understand the medical and legal challenges involved in cross-border claims.
Specialized Expertise: We combine deep knowledge of medical procedures with legal experience.
International Experience: Our team has successfully represented clients from the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Proven Track Record: We have secured favorable settlements and verdicts in high-stakes malpractice cases.
Clear Communication: We provide transparent and consistent updates, ensuring that you are always informed.
Take Action Today
If you have experienced medical malpractice during medical tourism in Turkey, don’t wait to take action. Early intervention can make a critical difference in securing compensation and protecting your rights.
Contact Oran Partners today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
