Medical malpractice

Medical malpractice arises when a healthcare professional or institution breaches the applicable standard of care and the breach causes harm. In Switzerland, claims may be framed through contract, tort, public liability or criminal law depending on the provider and setting. Patients usually need to show a treatment error, damage and causation, while documentation and expert opinions are often decisive. Not every poor outcome is malpractice; medicine involves recognised risks. Related issues include informed consent failures, hospital organisation, limitation periods, insurance coverage and professional disciplinary measures.