Patient Ombudsman Bartlomiej Chmielowiec, has awarded the highest possible benefit of 200,000 zlotys from the Medical Event Compensation Fund. The fund, which has been in operation since last September, is a new, out-of-court pathway for patients injured by medical errors to obtain financial compensation without the need for complex court proceedings. To date, 42 injured patients have received financial support, and the total amount of benefits awarded by the MPC already amounts to nearly PLN 2.5 million.
Medical Event Compensation Fund: Highest compensation for the injured patient
Published Aug. 26, 2024 13:16
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The highest benefit was awarded to a patient who underwent surgery to unblock the carotid artery. The procedure, which was initially intended to be routine, proceeded in an abnormal manner due to anatomical difficulties and the patient's disturbing behavior. As a result, general anesthesia had to be used. Unfortunately, there were numerous complications during the operation, which culminated in the patient developing symptoms of a stroke. These complications caused permanent damage to his health, requiring long-term treatment. An expert panel of the Patient Ombudsman concluded that the complications could have been avoided if the operation had been stopped at the right time and the patient had been better prepared for the next surgery.
The Patient Ombudsman stressed that the Medical Events Compensation Fund is acting quickly and adequately to the scale of damages suffered by patients.
"Subsequent decisions to award compensation confirm that the Fund is an effective and convenient path for patients to obtain compensation for damages caused by medical errors," Bartholomew Chmielowiec said.
At the same time, he noted that the procedure is simplified, and patients do not need to use lawyers or engage in lengthy court proceedings. Filling out the application form is simple, which further facilitates access to benefits.
The number of requests for compensation is growing
Since the fund was launched, the number of applications for the benefit has steadily increased. To date, patients and their relatives have already filed more than 800 cases. The fund provides compensation for avoidable damage and hospital-acquired infections. The maximum amount of compensation is PLN 200,000, and in the case of a patient's death, relatives can expect financial support of up to PLN 100,000.
Source: MPC
