Medical Services: 175 Cases of Medical Malpractice in Saxony

Last year, the Saxony Medical Service identified 175 cases of medical malpractice. This means that a corresponding error was recorded in just over a quarter of the cases reviewed (27.1 percent), according to the Medical Service. In total, the experts had to review 646 cases. In 2024, 176 cases of medical malpractice were identified.

Medical Malpractice Across All Specialties

In 18.6 percent of cases, the experts identified a direct link between the medical malpractice and harm to the patient’s health. Medical errors occurred in all medical specialties: the spectrum ranged from general medicine to orthopedics and trauma surgery, gynecology, and dentistry.

Sabine Antonioli, Chief Physician at the Saxony Medical Service, emphasized that clarifying an allegation of medical malpractice is of great importance to patients in order to come to terms with what they have experienced. “Our expert opinions provide certainty to those affected and help them assert claims for damages, if necessary.”

The actual number of cases is likely significantly higher

The figures represent only a small fraction of the total, it was noted. According to the report, many cases of medical malpractice go undetected because they are neither centrally recorded nor systematically evaluated in Germany. In addition, patients do not always recognize errors as such and therefore do not file a corresponding complaint.

Errors cause not only suffering but also high additional costs

Medical malpractice not only causes suffering for the affected patients, but also has health economic implications for healthcare: After a medical error, follow-up examinations and further procedures—including repeat surgeries—may be necessary. In addition, costs may arise from lost work time, disability, or the need for long-term care.

If a patient suspects a medical error, they can contact their health insurance provider, which will then commission the appropriate expert opinions from the Medical Service. This does not incur any costs for the patient.