Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has upheld a ruling awarding Dh100,000 in compensation to a patient whose physician committed a medical error that led to a permanent foot disability. The final verdict comes after a detailed review of the case, including a report by the Medical Liability Committee, which found that the treating physician delayed surgical intervention and failed to personally attend to the patient’s condition, contributing to the patient's difficulty in walking. The court emphasized that while the error was not gross, it caused lasting harm, justifying the financial award for material and moral damages. Under the UAE law on Medical Liability, claims of malpractice must first go through review by a Medical Liability Committee before legal action can proceed. The law aims to balance medical professionals’ autonomy with patient protection. The court noted the absence of evidence proving the patient was employed at the time of the surgery. It also highlighted that the patient arrived at the hospital in a wheelchair, indicating prior mobility issues. Despite these factors, the court found the Dh100,000 award appropriate for the permanent disability. ICA/Expat Media
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