DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Analysis of the Legal Effect of Settlement Agreements Prepared in Medical Litigation Following Plastic Surgery in Korea

  • Kwon, Jung Woo (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital) ;
  • Park, Bo Young (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital) ;
  • Kang, So Ra (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Seung Eun (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital)
  • Received : 2016.10.17
  • Accepted : 2017.06.07
  • Published : 2017.07.15

Abstract

Background Settlements between doctors and patients provide a solution to complicated disputes. However, some disputes may be renewed as a result of negligence by both parties. The purpose of this study was to review the legal issues that may potentially arise during the preparation of settlement agreements and to propose a list of requirements for ensuring the effectiveness of these settlement agreements. Methods Data from 287 civil cases concerning aesthetic surgery that took place between 2000 and 2015 were collected from a court database in South Korea. Factors that influenced the effectiveness of settlement agreements were analyzed. Results Among the 287 court precedents, there were 68 cases of covenant not to sue. Eighteen cases were dismissed because the settlement agreements were recognized as effective, and 50 cases were sent forward for judgment on their merits because the agreements were not recognized as effective. The types of surgery and types of complications were classified by frequency. We evaluated the geographical distribution of the precedents, the settlement timing, and the effectiveness and economic impact of the settlements. We found that there was no statistically significant relationship among these factors. Four major factors that made a settlement agreement legally effective were identified, and the data showed that fee-free reoperations were not considered by the court in determining the compensation amount. Conclusions When preparing a settlement agreement, it is advisable to review the contents of the agreement rather than to take the preparation of a settlement agreement per se to be legally meaningful.

Keywords

References

  1. ISAPS international survey on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures performed in 2014, ISAPS glocal statistics [Internet]. Hanover, NH; International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; 2015 [cited 2016 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.isaps.org/Media/Default/global-statistics/2015%20ISAPS%20Results.pdf.
  2. Mavroforou A, Giannoukas A, Michalodimitrakis E. Medical litigation in cosmetic plastic surgery. Med Law 2004;23: 479-88.
  3. Bal BS. An introduction to medical malpractice in the United States. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2009;467:339-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0636-2
  4. Im BH. Analysis of medical disputes precedent. J Korea Con Assoc 2010;10:294-303.
  5. Min JH. Growth of Medical accident in plastic surgery, malpractice lawsuit arise rapidly [Internet]. Seoul: Dailymedi; 2014 [cited 2016 Jan 24]. Available from: http://dailymedi.com/news/view.html?section=1&category=3&no=784922.
  6. Ministry of Governement Legislation. Korean Law in English: Civil procedure act [Internet]. Sejong; Korea Ministry of Government Legislation: 2017 [cite 2017 June 27]. Available from: https://www.moleg.go.kr/english/korLawEng;jsessionid=wKrWfIepiGLGz6kjuiUN4FA9tAor12VGMKMLHDaT7anlhV8fgunGbWeJm19zvQhv.moleg_a2_servlet_engine2?pstSeq=52676&pageIndex=44.
  7. Supreme Court of South Korea. Decision No. 2000 Da17803 (rendered 2002 Oct 11).
  8. Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. Establishment of effective medical dispute mediation system. Health Soc Affairs Forum 1997;7:63-6.
  9. Kim GR. A study on alternative medical disput resolution: with a focus on medical dispute mediation of kca. Korean Soc Law Med 2012;13:71-89.
  10. Lee SY, Kim UJ, Lee SH, et al. Research paper on activating the medical accident damage relief and medical dispute mediation law. Korea Ins Health Soc Aff 2012;8:16-95.
  11. Lyu SY, Liao CK, Chang KP, et al. Analysis of medical litigation among patients with medical disputes in cosmetic surgery in Taiwan. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2011;35:764-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-011-9684-1
  12. Lee SS. Analysis of types of remedy for damages from medical malpractice filed with Korea Consumer Agency: from the enforcement of the amended consumer protection act to the present. Med Policy Forum 2004;2:98-106
  13. Marchesi A, Marchesi M, Fasulo FC, et al. Mammaplasties and medicolegal issues: 50 cases of litigation in aesthetic surgery of the breast. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2012;36:122-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-011-9768-y
  14. Supreme Court of South Korea. Decision No. 96Hu1743 (rendered 1997 Sep 5).
  15. Jang BH. Non-litigation agreement and its legal effects [Internet]. Seoul: Kukihealth; 2009 [cited 2016 Jan 24]. Available from: http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=1258107956.
  16. Seoul Central District Court of South Korea. Decision No. 2010Gahap45185 (rendered 2012 June 5).
  17. Seoul High Court of South Korea. Decision No. 2012Na49348 (rendered 2013 June 27).
  18. Jang BH. Non-litigation agreement and its legal effects [Internet]. Seoul: Monthly The Ophthalmic Information; 2001 [cited 2016 Jan 24]. Available from: http://eyeclinickorea.com/html/board4/board/view.html?board_id=B4_6&uid=75&cline=&so=&sk=.