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Medical negligence, also called medical malpractice, occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the expected standard of care in their field, leading to patient harm. In South Africa, healthcare professionals are legally responsible for any breach of their duty of care towards patients, which is classified as medical negligence.
To establish medical negligence in South Africa, the following elements generally need to be proven:
1. Duty of care: Demonstrate that there was a doctor-patient relationship, indicating that the healthcare professional had a duty to provide care and treatment.
2. Breach of duty: Establish that the healthcare professional's actions or omissions deviated from the standard of care expected in their field. This is typically done by comparing the professional's actions to those of a reasonably competent practitioner in the same circumstances.
3. Causation: Show that the breach of duty directly caused the patient's harm or injury. It must be demonstrated that, had it not been for the negligence, the harm would not have occurred.
In South Africa, the Prescription Act sets the time limit for filing a medical negligence claim. Generally, the time limit is three years from the date on which the patient became aware of the negligence and resulting harm or injury. However, there are exceptions and variations depending on the circumstances, so it is important to consult with a legal professional to determine the specific time limit applicable to your case.
Victims of medical negligence in South Africa may be eligible to claim various types of damages, including:
General damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the negligence.
Special damages: Compensation for actual financial losses incurred as a result of the negligence, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings, and future care costs.
Loss of earnings and earning capacity: Compensation for the loss of current and future income due to the injury or disability caused by the negligence.
Future medical expenses: Compensation for anticipated medical costs associated with ongoing treatment or care resulting from the negligence
Yes, in South Africa, you can file a medical negligence claim on behalf of a deceased family member. This is known as a "deceased patient claim" or a "wrongful death claim." The claim can be brought by the deceased's dependents, such as a spouse, child, or parent, who have suffered a loss as a result of the medical negligence leading to the death. The damages sought may include funeral expenses and loss of support.
Yes, you can report medical negligence to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which is the regulatory body for healthcare professionals in the country. The HPCSA has the authority to investigate complaints against healthcare professionals and take disciplinary action if necessary. However, it is important to note that reporting to the HPCSA is separate from pursuing a medical negligence claim, and both processes can be undertaken concurrently.