RESUMO
The present study aimed to throw light on medical malpractice claims in Sharqyia governorate as a step for a primary evaluation all over the Egyptian goveraorates. 114 cases of malpractice claims were collected from Sharqyia Medicolegal Department, Ministry of Justice during the period from the beginning of 2007 till the end of 2010. The data obtained were analyzed in relation to plaintiff aspects, defendant aspects, locations of medical services, the final outcomes as well as the rate of autopsy performance. The results revealed that, there was a statistically significant increase in the total number of claims during the years of study. 20.2% of claims cases were positive and one defendant was involved in 96.5% of cases. The highest incidence of claims was in general surgery followed by orthopedics with a statistically