[Expert opinion aspects of thrombosis prophylaxis]

The boom in medical liability shows no sign of easing even for thrombosis prophylaxis, so that it is becoming increasingly more common that experts must decide whether this has been correctly carried out. From this point of view they are legally only "assistants" to the judge, but practically they make the decision in liability disputes. It is therefore of great importance that the experts fulfil their key role in an unbiased and professionally competent manner and limit their opinions to their own field of expertise. They must also be fully aware of the different prerequisites for liability in both civil and criminal proceedings and the legal definitions of, for example the terms "standard medical professional practice", "grossly" negligent treatment, "a probability bordering on certainty", "obligation to the evidential value" and be familiar with the facts in question. Without this necessary knowledge in the legal field, regrettable judicial errors will always reoccur.