Characteristics of Medico-Legal Cases and Errors in Medico-Legal Reports at a Teaching Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: A medico-legal case (MLC) involves any injury or medical condition in which law enforcement agencies investigate and fix the responsibility regarding of an injury or medical condition. Incorrect or incomplete medico-legal reports (MLRs) may trigger a pause or delay in legal proceedings and patients' rights could be violated. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of MLCs and to identify errors in the MLRs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in a teaching hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. In total, 418 MLRs furnished during a 6-month period and reviewed for characteristics of MLCs and identification of errors. Results: A total of 418 MLRs were included in the present study. Fights or physical assault and battery formed the major proportion of MLCs amounting to 83% of MLCs. Blunt injury was the dominant type of injury in most of the cases (81.8%). In relation to errors in MLRs, no MLR in the present study were without errors. Conclusion: Fights or physical assault and battery formed the major proportion of MLCs. Multiple errors were identified in the MLRs furnished by the physicians. Writing MLRs must follow standardized guidelines as it has a bearing on legal proceedings and patients' rights. We recommend training for physicians in writing MLRs in the interest of proper administration of justice.