title: [Medico-legal notes in urology]
abstract: In recent years, claims for damages for medical liability have significantly increased. This implies that urologists need to know at least some basic concepts and updates regarding Forensic Medicine. Hence it is mandatory that, beyond the requirements of the law, every physician is covered by insurance liability for medical professionals. With the aim to protect and help the urologist in response to a claim for damages, the Italian Society of Urology has established and activated a "urological first aid", which any member can turn to in a moment of need. In the case of an accident, urologists can contact the "urological first aid" otherwise they can send a letter within 3 days to his/her insurance company, which will analyze the complaint and prepare a brief statement of defence and choose a civil lawyer specializing in medical professional liability. In this paper we will deal with some concepts of forensic medicine, distinguishing between public-liability and penal setting.
authors.affiliation: Direttore U.O.C. di Urologia, P.O. Belcolle, Viterbo; Direttore Dipartimento "Complesso Ospedaliero Belcolle", Viterbo; Delegato regionale S.I.U. per il Lazio; Componente Comitato Medico-Legale S.I.U - Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rizzotto