Left his patient disabled for $5,000: What kind of doctor is this?

In 2016, a case in Izmir resulted in a patient becoming 33% disabled after surgery. The court ruled that the doctor must pay a compensation of 4 million 651 thousand Turkish liras, with interest accrued since 2016.

SURGERY RECOMMENDED TO TREAT BACK PAIN

In 2016, Canan Yılmaz (38) from Izmir visited Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Kemal Yücesoy due to complaints of back pain. After an examination, she was diagnosed with a herniated disc, and the doctor informed her that without surgery, she could face serious health problems. Yılmaz was not given recommendations for medication or physiotherapy, and within a week, she underwent surgery at a private hospital.

COMPLAINTS WORSENED AFTER SURGERY

After the surgery, Canan Yılmaz reported worsening pain to the doctor. However, the doctor stated that it was normal and suggested she do swimming exercises. Yılmaz continued to experience symptoms and consulted other doctors.

"WHY ARE THERE SCREWS AT HER AGE?"

During an examination by a different doctor, it was discovered that 8 screws had been placed in Yılmaz’s spine during the surgery. The screws were pressing on her nerves, and the surgery had been performed without her consent.

ERRORS EXPOSED THROUGH FORENSIC MEDICAL REPORT

In 2019, Yılmaz filed a malpractice lawsuit through her lawyer and was found to be right based on the forensic medical report. The report stated that the surgery was not necessary, alternative treatments had not been explored, and the patient’s consent for the placement of screws was not obtained.

RECORD COMPENSATION DECISION FROM THE COURT

After nearly 5 years of proceedings, the İzmir 7th Consumer Court ruled that Prof. Dr. Kemal Yücesoy must pay 4 million 651 thousand liras in compensation. The compensation will be paid with interest accrued since 2016.

THE PATIENT REMAINED 33% DISABLED

Lawyer Duygu Delibaş commented, "A non-essential surgery was performed for the equivalent of 5 thousand dollars at the time, and our client was left 33% disabled. The court accepted that the doctor violated his duty of care and ruled for both material and moral compensation."

ATTENTION DRAWN TO PATIENT RIGHTS

This decision sets an important precedent in patient rights and doctor responsibility. Experts emphasize the importance of informing patients and considering alternative treatment methods.