Medical errors—also known as malpractice—can have devastating consequences on a patient’s life. Although malpractice lawsuits were once uncommon in Turkey, the rise of private hospitals and growing awareness of patient rights have led to a sharp increase in such cases.

If you are a foreign national who suffered harm due to a hospital error in Turkey, you have the right to claim compensation for malpractice under Turkish law.

Mandatory Malpractice Insurance in Turkey

Since 2010, all doctors—including dentists—are required to have professional liability insurance in Turkey. This applies to practitioners in:

• State hospitals

• Private hospitals

• Private clinics

Doctors without valid insurance may face administrative penalties. Since October 1, 2011, victims can sue individual doctors directly in civil courts, not just administrative bodies.

Types of Compensation You Can Claim

If a hospital error has caused injury or death, victims or their families can claim various types of compensation:

In Case of Death:

• Loss of support compensation

• Funeral costs

• Moral compensation for pain and suffering

In Case of Injury or Disability:

• Income loss due to inability to work

• Medical expenses

• Moral damages

Courts consider the plaintiff’s financial situation and submitted evidence. If income cannot be proven, minimum wage may be used, lowering the compensation amount. This makes legal support critical—especially in calculating moral compensation.

Legal Criteria for Hospital Malpractice Claims

Malpractice cases often stem from a mandate contract between the doctor and patient. To hold a doctor liable, the following must be proven:

• A medical procedure performed against the rules or agreement

• Actual harm to the patient

• Doctor’s fault or negligence

• Causal link between the action and the harm

In certain procedures—such as aesthetic surgery or dental implants—a work contract may apply. In these cases, the doctor is not only responsible for due care but also for achieving the expected result, increasing liability.

Why Specialized Legal Support Matters

Unlike car accident cases, malpractice lawsuits require legal and medical expertise. The main question isn’t just who’s at fault, but whether the expected medical outcome was achieved. Lawyers without experience in this area may struggle to prove fault or secure the full amount of compensation. Always consult a lawyer specialized in malpractice law in Turkey.

Conclusion: Seek Your Rights After a Medical Error in Turkey

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a hospital error in Turkey, you are legally entitled to claim compensation for your losses. Accurate calculation of both material and moral damages requires legal expertise. As malpractice awareness grows and regulations improve, it is more important than ever to act swiftly and smartly with the help of a trusted lawyer.