Medical Malpractice: The Extent, Consequences and Causes of the Problem

Abstract

In recent years South Africa has seen a sharp increase in medical malpractice litigation. A number of factors have contributed to this increase and doctors as well as other healthcare providers have been profoundly affected thereby. It seems as though the proliferation of claims for the adverse consequences of medical intervention, which has been a rising global trend, has eventually reached our shores. Not only has there been an increase in the frequency of claims, but the amounts that have been awarded have also risen significantly.

Keywords: medical malpractice litigation, extent, consequences and causes of, frequency of claims, amount of claims