Red flags raised in Singapore's malpractice claims environment

These cases could see increased awards and higher premiums.

Two recent incidents have highlighted potential issues in Singapore's malpractice claims environment. These suggest that future malpractice claims in Singapore could see higher awards and increased premiums for doctors, warned a Howden Re insight.

In one case, a car accident in Malaysia involving Singaporean Lim Chun Yong has raised concerns. 

Lim suffered severe injuries when the car he hired crashed into a truck, followed by another collision. Despite the accident occurring in Malaysia, the Singapore High Court awarded Lim $4.7m in damages, indicating the court's willingness to hear cases with significant financial consequences in Singapore.

Another case involves Bangladeshi businessman Noor Alam, who alleges he was paralysed due to negligence during treatment at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore. 

Alam has counterclaimed against Gleneagles, arguing that the hospital is responsible for the actions of Dr. James Tan Siah Heng, who performed the procedure. 

This case raises questions about the vicarious liability of hospitals for independent doctors, a concept tested in other jurisdictions but now emerging in Singapore.