Medical Liability in Rijswijk
Medical liability means that healthcare providers in Rijswijk, such as general practitioners, specialists, or hospitals in the region, are legally responsible for damage caused by errors in treatment. This includes a wrong diagnosis or a failed procedure. In the Netherlands, the Civil Code governs this, enabling Rijswijk residents to claim compensation. Understanding this is essential for Rijswijk residents harmed by medical errors; contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk for free advice.
Legal Basis
Medical liability in Rijswijk is based on the tort principle under Article 6:162 BW, which covers damage from attributable errors such as negligence. Specifically for healthcare providers, Article 7:750 BW requires treatments to meet medical and ethical standards. The Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO), implemented via Article 7:446 BW, mandates full disclosure and careful execution. For defective medical devices, Article 6:185 BW applies. Supreme Court rulings, such as Catharina Ziekenhuis (2019), require proof of causation; proceedings often begin at the Rechtbank Rijswijk.
Definition and Explanation of Medical Liability
Medical liability arises when a healthcare provider in Rijswijk commits an error leading to patient harm, including failure to take necessary precautions. Unlike a mere medical error, it involves legal claims for compensation. Three essential requirements:
- Error or shortcoming: Deviation from the standard of care, assessed by experts.
- Causation: Direct link between the error and the injury.
- Damage: Proven physical, mental, or financial loss to the Rijswijk resident.
Proving a case is challenging due to the expertise required; negligence suffices, intent is not needed. This article outlines the procedure, focusing on medical errors.
Conditions for Liability
For a claim in Rijswijk, an expert report is mandatory under the KNMG Guidelines on Expert Assessment of Medical Liability, which is essential for the Rechtbank Rijswijk. Limitation period: 5 years from discovery of damage (Article 3:310 BW), maximum 20 years from the event. Key requirements:
- Falls within the treatment agreement.
- No coverage for 'therapeutic risk' without gross negligence.
- Hospitals are vicariously liable for staff (Article 6:170 BW).
Comparison of liability types:
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor's liability | Personal error by the practitioner | Wrong medication in Rijswijk practice |
| Institution's liability | Organizational failure at hospital | Infection due to poor hygiene |
| Product liability | Defective device | Failed implant |
Practical Examples
A Rijswijk resident undergoes gallbladder surgery, but the surgeon removes the wrong organ, resulting in permanent pain. Under Article 6:162 BW, the patient claims pain and suffering compensation and costs from the doctor and hospital at the Rechtbank Rijswijk. In a similar regional case (2020), a victim received €150,000 after a missed cancer diagnosis leading to unnecessary treatment.
Or: a general practitioner in Rijswijk misses heart attack symptoms, with fatal consequences. Survivors claim bereavement and non-material damages via medical liability, supported by medical records and second opinions.
Rights and Obligations
Rijswijk residents have a right to information on risks (WGBO). In case of harm: compensation for costs, loss of income, assistance, and pain and suffering. Report complaints promptly to the provider and cooperate with investigations. Providers must maintain careful records. Contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk or Gemeente Rijswijk for support with claims at the Rechtbank Rijswijk.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.