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14 October 2025

Post-Surgery Complications & Medical Malpractice Turkey

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Oran Partners Law Firm

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Oran Partners stands out as the only law firm in Turkey focused entirely on medical malpractice. Our team of committed trial lawyers specializes in representing international individuals affected by medical negligence and their families. We bring a wealth of insight from both the medical and legal fields, actively engaging in courtroom advocacy on a regular basis.

We take pride in our unique approach, blending deep legal expertise with a thorough understanding of medical details in each case. This focus ensures tailored and effective representation for our clients.

Our commitment is centered on achieving significant results for our clients, whether through settlements or verdicts. We focus on delivering effective legal solutions with skilled negotiation and strong courtroom representation.

Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for international medical tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of patients each year for procedures...
Turkey Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration
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Introduction

Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for international medical tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of patients each year for procedures such as cosmetic enhancements, orthopedic surgeries, and dental implants. While many operations are successful, a growing number of patients experience post-surgery complications that raise concerns about medical malpractice Turkey law governs.

Understanding when these complications are typical and when they indicate negligence is essential for anyone considering or recovering from surgery in Turkey. This article will guide you through the signs of medical negligence, your legal rights, and the steps you should take to protect your health and pursue justice.

What Are Post-Surgery Complications?

Every surgery carries risks, and even in the most reputable clinics, complications can occur. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, or delayed healing. However, what separates an acceptable surgical risk from medical malpractice is whether the doctor or medical team followed standard medical procedures and provided adequate post-operative care.

In medical malpractice Turkey cases, the focus is not on the existence of a complication, but on how it was caused and how it was handled. For example, a patient who develops an infection after surgery due to poor sterilization practices or lack of follow-up care may have grounds for a malpractice claim.

For a deeper understanding of this distinction, see Medical Malpractice or Acceptable Risk? Understanding the Difference in Turkey.

Common Causes of Post-Surgery Complications

Not all complications are signs of negligence, but specific recurring patterns can suggest that something went wrong in the surgical process.

1. Inadequate Pre-Operative Assessment

Before surgery, patients should undergo thorough medical evaluations, including blood tests, allergy screenings, and anesthetic assessments. Failing to identify pre-existing conditions or medication conflicts can lead to avoidable complications.

2. Surgical Errors

Mistakes during surgery—such as incorrect incision placement, damage to surrounding tissue, or leaving instruments inside the body—are clear indicators of medical malpractice Turkey courts take seriously.

3. Poor Post-Operative Care

Hospitals and clinics are responsible for monitoring patients after surgery. Failure to provide appropriate wound care, infection control, or discharge instructions can worsen conditions.

4. Unqualified or Overworked Surgeons

Turkey's booming medical tourism industry has led to the rise of unlicensed clinics or underqualified surgeons performing high-risk operations. These facilities may offer cheaper prices but often cut corners on safety and hygiene.

To learn more about this growing concern, visit Unlicensed Clinics in Istanbul: A Hidden Threat to Patient Safety.

Recognizing Signs of Medical Negligence After Surgery

Some post-surgical symptoms are typical and temporary, such as mild pain or swelling. However, persistent or worsening issues may point to negligence.

If you experience any of the following warning signs, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional and seek legal advice:

  • Severe infection not responding to antibiotics
  • Excessive bleeding or hematomas
  • Persistent pain beyond the expected recovery period
  • Visible deformity or asymmetry (especially in cosmetic surgery)
  • Numbness, paralysis, or mobility loss
  • Missing or incomplete medical documentation
  • Doctors refusing follow-up care or avoiding communication

Even subtle symptoms should not be ignored. In some cases, patients discover malpractice months or even years later when additional surgery becomes necessary.

For patients who underwent aesthetic procedures, issues such as scarring, asymmetry, or nerve damage may indicate negligence. Related cases are detailed in Cosmetic Surgery Gone Wrong: Common Errors in Turkish Clinics.

How Turkish Law Handles Medical Malpractice Cases

Turkish law distinguishes between acceptable risks and negligence using clear legal standards. Medical professionals have a duty of care, meaning they must provide treatment consistent with accepted medical practice in their field. When this duty is breached and harm results, a malpractice case may be valid.

In a medical malpractice Turkey lawsuit, the court evaluates three key factors:

  1. Causation – Was the patient's harm directly caused by a negligent act or omission?
  2. Standard of Care – Did the doctor act in accordance with medical norms recognized in Turkey?
  3. Evidence – Are there records, expert opinions, or witness statements proving negligence?

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence

If you suspect malpractice after surgery in Turkey, acting promptly can make a significant difference. Evidence can disappear quickly—records may be altered or unavailable—so it's essential to take these steps immediately:

  1. Seek Independent Medical Evaluation – Visit another qualified doctor or hospital to document your current condition and get a professional opinion on whether the issue stems from negligence.
  2. Collect All Medical Records – Obtain copies of your medical reports, prescriptions, invoices, and communication with the clinic.
  3. Take Photos and Notes – Visual documentation can be robust evidence in court, particularly for cosmetic surgeries.
  4. Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer – A lawyer familiar with medical malpractice Turkey cases can guide you through filing a claim, coordinating expert reviews, and negotiating compensation.

Compensation for Post-Surgery Negligence

Victims of medical negligence in Turkey may be entitled to compensation for both material and moral damages. Material damages cover physical and financial losses, while moral damages address emotional trauma, loss of confidence, and psychological suffering.

Compensation can include:

  • Corrective surgeries and ongoing medical treatment
  • Lost income due to extended recovery
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and loss of quality of life

Challenges for International Patients

Foreign patients face additional challenges when dealing with medical malpractice Turkey cases. Language barriers, limited access to medical records, and differences in legal systems can make it challenging to build a strong claim.

Working with a law firm experienced in representing international clients—such as Oran Partners, which specializes exclusively in medical malpractice—can simplify the process. They can communicate with Turkish institutions, collect medical records, and represent you in court even if you are abroad.

Conclusion

Post-surgery complications can be distressing, but not every complication is malpractice. The key difference lies in whether the harm could have been avoided through proper care. By understanding your rights under medical malpractice Turkey law, gathering evidence, and consulting qualified legal professionals, you can take decisive action toward justice and recovery.

Whether you're a local patient or an international visitor, remember that Turkish law protects you from negligent medical practices. Knowing when to act—and having the right support—can make all the difference in holding healthcare providers accountable.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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