What legal steps can I take if a doctor discontinues treatment?
February 11, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Laura Vollmann
Dear Medical Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you with an urgent question regarding the termination of treatment by my doctor. My name is Petra Schmidt and I recently started a medical treatment that is crucial for my health. Unfortunately, my doctor unexpectedly terminated the treatment process without providing me with a thorough explanation.
I am very concerned about the consequences of this treatment termination and I am wondering what legal steps I can take in this situation. I feel abandoned and I want to ensure that my health is not further jeopardized.
It is important for me to know if the doctor is allowed to terminate the treatment without giving reasons, and what rights I have as a patient in this case. Are there legal provisions that regulate treatment termination and protect me as a patient?
Furthermore, I would appreciate it if you could suggest possible solutions to resolve my situation and potentially make claims for damages. I want to understand what legal options are available to me to challenge the treatment termination and defend my rights as a patient.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice in this matter.
Sincerely,
Petra Schmidt
Dear Mrs. Schmidt,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the termination of treatment by your doctor. It is understandable that you are concerned about the consequences and want to ensure that your health is not further endangered. As a lawyer specializing in medical law, I am happy to assist you.
Firstly, I would like to point out that a doctor generally has the right to terminate a treatment if he deems it medically necessary. However, he must adhere to certain legal requirements. In your case, it is concerning that the doctor unexpectedly terminated the treatment process without providing you with a detailed explanation. This could potentially be seen as a violation of the doctor's duty of care.
As a patient, you have various rights that you can assert in this situation. Firstly, you have the right to comprehensive information about the medical procedures that are to be carried out. This includes information about possible risks, alternatives, and consequences of terminating treatment. If the doctor has breached this obligation to inform, you may be able to claim damages.
Furthermore, there are legal provisions that regulate the termination of treatment. These are based on patient rights and medical law. Under certain circumstances, terminating treatment can only be done with the patient's consent or if further treatment is not medically sensible or reasonable.
To clarify your situation and potentially assert claims for damages, I recommend contacting a specialized lawyer in medical law. They can assess your rights, explain legal steps to you, and support you in enforcing your claims.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Laura Vollmann
