In March 2023, an incident at the Denia hospital shocked not only the medical community but also many residents of Alicante. A 63-year-old man arrived at the emergency department with severe foot pain. Doctors limited themselves to a blood test and quickly sent him home with a diagnosis that later proved to be incorrect. Just a few hours later, the patient returned to the hospital, but it was too late—his leg had to be amputated above the knee.
A court in Madrid ruled that the medical staff made a serious error, and the hospital failed to provide the necessary diagnostic equipment in an emergency. As a result, the institution was ordered to pay the victim €483,000 plus interest. This decision has become one of the most high-profile legal cases in recent years.
A fatal delay
That day, the man complained of sharp pain in the front of his foot. Despite clear signs of a vascular emergency, he was not even given a basic ultrasound scan. Doctors only performed a blood test and sent him home, diagnosing deep vein thrombosis. The mistake proved extremely costly.
When the pain intensified, the man returned to the hospital. Only then did he undergo the necessary examinations, which revealed acute arterial ischemia, not venous thrombosis. But the critical time had been lost—saving the leg was no longer possible. The surgery ended in an above-knee amputation.
Systemic failures
The court hearing revealed another alarming detail: in the afternoon, there was no way to perform an emergency ultrasound at the hospital. The patient had to wait seven hours until the needed specialist arrived. This isn’t just a bureaucratic mishap—it’s a real threat to people’s lives and health.
The victim’s lawyers emphasized that such situations are not uncommon. In emergencies, patients become hostages to scheduling issues and lack of equipment. This time, the price of the mistake proved far too high.
Compensation and frustration
The court ordered the man to be paid €483,000, nearly €100,000 of which was interest for the delay. However, even this amount fails to cover all his losses. The judge denied additional compensation for a modern bionic prosthesis, limiting the payment to the cost of a standard one. This means the patient will have to give up many familiar activities—like swimming in the sea or long walks on the beach.
The court’s decision sparked a wave of debate. Many believe the compensation does not reflect the true damage done. At the very least, though, this case has sent a warning to the entire healthcare system: negligence and lack of resources can lead to tragedy.
Personal experience
This man’s story is more than just another legal case—it’s a reminder that behind all the numbers and legal terms are real human lives. Everyone seeking care deserves to know they won’t be left alone with pain and fear.
Spain is often praised for its high standard of healthcare, but cases like this raise important questions: Are hospitals truly prepared for emergencies? Why do patients still depend on specialist schedules and available equipment? So far, these questions remain unanswered.
