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Civil liability in oral & maxillofacial surgery: Α systematic review
Ioannis Ketsekioulafis1, Konstantinos Katsos1, Stavros-Evaggelos Sarivalasis2
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Medical negligence in maxillofacial surgery leads to frequent legal claims, primarily due to nerve injuries, diagnostic errors, surgical mistakes, and poor informed consent. Financial compensation varies, impacting healthcare systems significantly.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Surgical Specialties
- Medical Law
Background:
- Maxillofacial surgery demands high anatomical, functional, and aesthetic precision.
- This complexity increases the risk of medical negligence and legal claims.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for patient safety and healthcare economics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze medical negligence lawsuits in maxillofacial surgery.
- To identify common causes of action and trends in legal claims.
- To assess the financial implications of these lawsuits on healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched international medical and legal databases.
- Included studies on court decisions, insurance claims, and compensation data.
Main Results:
- Most claims originate from the US and UK, with an increasing trend over two decades.
- Common causes include nerve injuries, delayed/incorrect diagnoses, technical errors, and inadequate informed consent.
- Compensation ranges widely, with severe cases incurring substantial financial burdens.
Conclusions:
- Medical negligence in maxillofacial surgery is a significant forensic and socioeconomic issue.
- Identifying causes and financial impacts can improve clinical practice and patient information.
- Proactive measures can help prevent legal disputes and mitigate financial strain.