How can I address discrimination in the medical field?
October 25, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Thomas Eiserfelder
Dear Medical Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I recently had a very unpleasant experience in the medical field and I am now wondering how I can address it. My situation is as follows: I have a chronic illness for which I require regular medical treatments. However, during my last visit to the clinic, I was treated disrespectfully and discriminated against by a doctor. He made derogatory comments about my illness and seemed to have a condescending attitude towards me. I felt my dignity was violated and now I am wondering how I can address this discrimination.
My concerns are varied. Firstly, I am afraid that this discrimination could happen again if I need medical help in the future. Secondly, I feel helpless and unfairly treated. I do not want to stand by idly while such behavior is tolerated in the medical field. Therefore, I would like to know what legal steps I can take to address this discrimination and protect my right to adequate medical treatment.
Can you please outline the legal options I have to address discrimination in the medical field? Are there specific laws or regulations that protect me in such a situation? How can I prove that I was actually discriminated against and what steps do I need to take to represent my case in court?
I thank you in advance for your help and support in this matter.
Sincerely,
Alwin Born
Dear Mr. Born,
I deeply regret hearing about your unpleasant experience at the clinic and understand your concerns and fears regarding the discrimination you were subjected to. It is important that you do not feel alone in such a situation and know that there are legal steps you can take to address this type of behavior.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that discrimination in any form in the field of medical care is unacceptable and violates various laws. In Germany, there are legal regulations that protect you in such a situation. The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics, including diseases and disabilities. This means that you can refer to the AGG if you become a victim of discrimination in medical treatment.
To address discrimination, it is important that you gather evidence to support your case. This may include witness statements, written records, emails, or other documents that demonstrate the doctor's discriminatory behavior. It may also be helpful to seek assistance from a patient advisory center or a medical law attorney to learn about your rights and receive support in gathering evidence.
If you decide to take legal action, you can file a complaint with the Medical Association or take legal action to claim compensation or damages. A medical law attorney can assist you in representing your case in court and successfully enforcing your rights.
I strongly recommend that you do not hesitate to address discrimination and protect your right to adequate medical treatment. You deserve to be treated with respect and professionalism, regardless of your illness. Do not hesitate to contact me or another medical law attorney for support and assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas Eiserfelder
Medical Law Attorney
