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, even though most procedures go well, mistakes can still occur. If a surgery leads to pain, complications, or lasting harm because of a healthcare provider's negligence, the problem becomes a legal matter, not just a medical one.
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 have had a surgery in Istanbul that did not go as planned, it is important to have someone who understands both Turkish law and the rights of international patients.
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 written in Turkish. If you are an international patient, a medical malpractice lawyer in Istanbul can help you overcome language barriers and provide support in both languages during:
- Court filings
- Settlement negotiations
- Medical expert consultations
- Cross-border coordination
4. They Handle Remote Representation
If you have already returned to your home country, it might not be possible to come back for every part of the legal process. A reliable lawyer in Istanbul can handle your case from a distance, go to court for you, and take care of all the 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:
- Hair Transplants
See our article on Hair Transplant Malpractice in Turkey – Your Legal Guide - Dental Procedures
This includes cases where implants, crowns, or veneers did not turn out as expected.
Learn more: Dental Malpractice in Turkey – Legal Guide for Patients - Plastic Surgery
This can involve breast lifts, rhinoplasties, or tummy tucks that had poor results.
Related read: Breast Lift Malpractice in Turkey – Your Legal Guide - Liposuction and Body Contouring
Problems are more likely if these procedures are done by people who are not properly licensed.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
With the help of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer Istanbul, you can seek compensation for:
- Corrective medical costs, such as additional surgeries, medication, or rehabilitation
- Lost Wages – due to recovery or disability
- Compensation for pain and suffering, including both physical and emotional effects
- Future medical needs that may be required for long-term recovery
- Punitive damages, which may be awarded in cases of extreme negligence
How to Start Your Claim
- Document the Harm
Take photos, collect all medical reports, and note timelines. - Get a Second Opinion
Consult with an independent doctor to evaluate the damage. - Contact a Specialized Lawyer
Reach out to a firm like Oran Partners for a case review. - 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
- We are the only law firm in Turkey that focuses only on medical malpractice, and we know how to protect your rights if something goes wrong during surgery. rights when surgery goes wrong.
Conclusion: Take Action, Protect Your Rights
If you have experienced negligence during surgery in Turkey, it is important to act quickly. Waiting too long can make your case harder to prove or even miss the legal deadline. A qualified medical malpractice lawyer in Istanbul can help you through each step to get justice and fair compensation.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
