[Unexpected events in patient complaints and insurance cases at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark, 2002-2003].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to do a systematic evaluation patients' complaints and insurance cases, to produce knowledge that will allow the prevention of future similar events.

Materials And Methods: 143 cases filed as patients' complaints or insurance cases during the period 1 January 2002-30 June 2003 were evaluated for the occurrence of adverse events. In the case of an adverse event, a classification score, ranging from mild to serious, was allotted based on the SAC matrix score.