AN ANALYSIS OF LAWSUITS AGAINST PHYSICIAN S IN CHILE

Lawsuits against are becoming relevant in Chile. We analyzed 18 trials against physicians that occurred between 1977 and 1985 and that were ruled by Metropolitan Region courts. The causes of demands were death of patients in 8 trials and severe lesions in the rest. Twelve trials originated from surgical procedures (six from gynecological interventi ons), and nine came from private clinics. Nine trials lasted less than two years and three, more than 5 years. Sentence was pronounced by cr iminal courts in 12 cases and by appealing courts in six.