General Medical Negligence

Suspect Medical Negligence?

We provide legal help to understand your position

When a medical or surgical procedure results in unforeseen injury, it can be a deeply distressing experience. We are here to help you understand your legal position and navigate the complexities of your case.

You Are Not Alone in Seeking Answer

We have over a decade of experience handling medical negligence cases of a vast variety and complexity. It is normal to feel emotional, helpless and even unsure of assistance available when things do not turn out as expected. We invite you to consult us with the specifics of your case so that your legal position can be determined effectively.

Mr. Shankar from Advox Law was featured in CNA and highlighted patient safety concerns in Singapore’s aesthetic medicine industry. Video Credit: Channel News Asia (Aug 2025)

Types of Medical Negligence Cases We Handle

Medical negligence can occur due to various reasons and appear in various forms. While our experience covers a broad spectrum, we have seen these as common

Before the Procedure: Proper Diagnosis

In a case handled by our firm, a specialist’s failure to order necessary pre-surgery imaging led to a missed diagnosis, resulting in the need for additional, avoidable surgeries. This highlights that the legal standard of care extends to the critical diagnostic and advisory stages that precede any operation.

After the Procedure: Duty of Timely Care

In a landmark case, the Singapore High Court found that a significant act of negligence was the doctor’s delay in seeking emergency help when the patient’s condition worsened post-operatively. The delay deprived the patient of a chance of survival, reinforcing that timely and appropriate post-operative management is a critical and legally enforceable component of a doctor’s duty.

During the Procedure: Surgical Errors

Errors during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving foreign objects inside the body, or mistakes in administering anaesthesia, are serious breaches of the standard of care. These events can cause significant, lasting harm and may constitute medical negligence.

Informed Consent: Duty to Advise on Risks

A doctor’s failure to properly screen a patient and provide an ethical consultation on all material risks can lead to a finding of negligence. This is especially true if a competent specialist had identified and communicated those same risks, allowing the patient to make a truly informed decision.

Women's Health: OBGYN and Similar

Negligence during prenatal care, labour, or delivery can result in devastating injuries to the mother or child. This area of practice also includes cases of misdiagnosis or negligent treatment for conditions like breast cancer, fibroids and so on.

Aesthetic Procedures: Upholding Elective Treatment Standards

As an elective field, aesthetic procedures have unique legal considerations. Negligence can arise from a lack of informed consent, the use of unapproved products, or a practitioner lacking proper qualifications, leading to issues like burns, permanent scarring, or disfigurement.

Secure A Consultation With An Experienced Team

Our Team

Understand Your Rights in Singapore

The legal framework in Singapore provides specific protections for patients. Understanding these rights is the first step in determining your legal position.

The Standard of Care for Advice

In Singapore, the law recognises your right to make an informed decision. A doctor has a duty to inform you of all material risks and reasonable alternatives before a procedure—not just what a group of other doctors thinks is important. If you were not properly advised of the risks, you might have grounds for a claim.

Important Deadlines

For medical negligence claims, the limitation period is three years from the date the negligence was discovered. The law clearly includes a “discovery rule,” which means the period can begin from the earliest date you had knowledge of the injury, which is relevant in aesthetic cases where complications may not be immediately apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a claim if I signed a consent form?

Yes. A consent form acknowledges that you were informed of known risks, but it does not excuse a practitioner from their duty to perform the procedure to the accepted medical standard of care. Negligence can still occur despite a signed consent form.

What are the costs involved?

We will provide a clear explanation of the fee structure during our preliminary discussion. Many medical negligence cases can be handled on a deferred basis.

What compensation can I claim?

Compensation typically covers costs for corrective surgery and future medical care, loss of past and future earnings, and damages for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury.

Should I complain to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC)?

The SMC is a professional disciplinary body that investigates a doctor’s conduct. It can sanction a doctor, but it cannot award you financial compensation for your injuries. A civil lawsuit is the necessary route for seeking compensation.

Will my case definitely go to court?

Many medical negligence cases in Singapore are resolved through confidential mediation at the Singapore Mediation Centre, often without proceeding to a full court trial.

Take the First Step With a Confidential Discussion

Navigating the complexities of a potential medical negligence claim requires a clear understanding of your legal position. Share your case in as much detail as possible, and we will invite you for a confidential, preliminary discussion to explore your options.

Please provide a case summary to arrange a consultation