Question for the medical law office: Are the costs of medical dispute mediation procedures high?

Medical dispute mediation procedures, from the perspective of a medical law office, are a system that can be utilized at relatively low cost, and there is little need to hesitate about mediation due to cost concerns.

When applying for medical dispute mediation through the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency, fees do apply, but the basic fee is set at 22,000 won, and only an additional amount based on certain criteria is added depending on the dispute amount.

For example, if the dispute amount is 5 million won or less, only the basic fee needs to be paid, and even if it exceeds 5 million won, only 20 won or 10 won per 10,000 won of the excess is added, so the total cost rarely exceeds several hundred thousand won.

In addition, basic livelihood recipients, persons of national merit and their bereaved families, and persons with disabilities meeting certain criteria may receive fee exemption or reduction benefits, so the actual burden may be even lower.

Meanwhile, dispute mediation through the Korea Consumer Agency can be used without fees, but it must be preceded by damage relief procedures, so it may not be suitable depending on the nature of the case.

Since the choice of mediation institution and response strategy may vary depending on the content of the medical accident, the scale of damages, and the difficulty of proof, it is important to consult with a medical law office from the early stages to receive accurate guidance on the cost structure and procedures and organize the direction of the proceedings.