Claims for medical negligence focus on facilitating monetary outcomes. That is, bringing a claim for medical negligence will only generally result in a negligent medical practitioner making a payment of money to compensate the patient.
In some circumstances, a negligent medical practitioner may make an apology or an ‘expression of regret’ as a term of the settlement.
Bringing a claim for medical negligence will not result in a negligent medical practitioner being prohibited, suspended or restricted in the practice of medicine. The Office of the Health Ombudsman and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) are responsible for handling professional disciplinary proceedings against medical practitioners.
In addition, although a claim is brought against a medical practitioner, the conduct of the claim is generally handled by their insurer.