Błąd medyczny a odpowiedzialność cywilnoprawna fizjoterapeutów
Medical error and the civil liability of physiotherapists

Summary/Abstract: Background: Nowadays, we observe a disturbing number of people injured as a result of improper actions of service providers. The problem concerns a number of medical professions, including, inter alia, physiotherapists. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to define the term ‘medical error’ and indicate the sanctions making a medical error carries. Material and methods: Medical error is an unintentional action, omission or negligence of of a medical professional, which causes the patient harm. Civil liability of a physiotherapist stems mainly from the agreement between the therapist and the patient. According to the agreement, the physiotherapist is obligated to perform a number of actions for the patient. Results: Civil liability as a result of medical error is the most dangerous sanction, which is often combined with the payment of a certain sum by way of compensation or redress. Physiotherapists are partly protected from civil liability by professional indemnity insurance. Medical errors are a part of the medical professions, therefore they should be discussed openly, not hidden from the public eye. Conclusions: A physiotherapist should perform their professional duties with care and in accordance with existing guidelines. This will help reduce the risk of medical errors.

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