Question from a reader:
Is there a risk of litigation when posting on hospital review sites, regardless of whether the information is rumor or truth? I would like to know specifically what I should be cautious about.

Posting on Hospital Review Sites and Litigation Risks: Points to Consider

Writing reviews about hospitals and medical institutions has become quite common lately. I believe
it’s wonderful to share your experiences, as it can serve as a reference for others and provide feedback to the hospital. However, there are actually litigation risks that can lurk when writing such reviews. This time, I will discuss the “points to consider when posting on hospital review sites” from a legal perspective. To effectively convey your opinions and experiences, it’s important to know the points that can help you write as safely as possible.

Understanding the Background of Litigation Risks

First, let’s think about why there is a litigation risk associated with writing reviews about hospitals. In the medical field, patient experiences and opinions about treatments are extremely important. However, if these expressions lead to misunderstandings or are exaggerated for some intent, it can result in lawsuits from hospitals or doctors. For example, suppose the treatment you received did not yield the expected results. If you write a review saying, “This hospital is the worst; it had no effect at all,” the hospital might argue that “this is a misleading expression and constitutes defamation.” In reality, the lack of effect might be due to your individual constitution or circumstances, but careless expressions can lead to the risk of litigation.

Specific Points to Be Cautious About

Now, let’s outline some specific points to be careful about.

Focus on Fact-Based Expressions

When writing a review, it’s safer to write information based on facts rather than subjective opinions. Instead of saying, “That doctor was unfriendly,” it’s better to include specific facts, such as “The doctor did not answer my questions during the examination.” This makes it harder for the other party to refute your claims. Of course, when emotions run high, it can be easy to become subjective, but it’s important to calmly recall and summarize the facts.

Provide Specific Examples of Treatment and Results

For instance, let’s say you visited a hospital for a certain illness. By writing specifically about the treatment you received and the results that followed, your review can be more informative for others. It’s important to provide concrete information, such as, “At XX Hospital, I underwent a test called XX, and the result was a diagnosis of YY.”

Strictly Protect Personal Information

When writing a review, it’s essential to protect not only your personal information but also that of others. Particularly, you should absolutely avoid revealing the names or details of other patients or medical staff. It’s important to share your experiences while maintaining anonymity.

Be Cautious of Exaggerated or Misleading Expressions

For example, if your condition worsened after treatment, you should avoid exaggerated expressions like, “Thanks to this hospital, my condition got worse.” Even if there is no causal relationship between the treatment and the worsening symptoms, such expressions can lead to defamation or lawsuits. It’s crucial to express your experiences honestly and calmly.

Considering Actual Cases

Let’s think about an actual case. A friend of mine underwent surgery at a specific hospital, but unexpected complications arose after the surgery. Out of distrust towards that hospital, he posted on social media, “The surgery at this hospital is dangerous!” As a result, the hospital considered taking legal action against him. Fortunately, he deleted the post and rewrote it with a calm, fact-based opinion, resolving the issue. This illustrates how emotional expressions can lead to litigation, so caution is necessary.

Conclusion

How was that? I’ve outlined several specific points regarding the litigation risks when posting on hospital review sites. Sharing your experiences with others is important, but it’s also necessary to pay attention from a legal perspective. In an era where you can freely express your opinions, it’s essential to think a step further. By focusing on fact-based expressions and summarizing information that can be helpful to others, you should be able to write better reviews. Finally, if you have any concerns, I recommend consulting a legal expert. By receiving solid advice, you can share your experiences with peace of mind.