Eva Cavalli, a former European beauty queen and creative partner in the Cavalli fashion empire, has taken legal action against a private hospital in Bodrum, Türkiye.
The lawsuit, seeking over $1.2 million (42 million Turkish lira), accuses the hospital of medical negligence after a delayed response to a life-threatening medical emergency in 2023.
How Eva Cavalli’s detox center therapy caused health crisis
In August 2023, Cavalli traveled to Bodrum for therapy at a well-known luxury detox center. During her visit, staff performed what they described as a “treatment,” reportedly a bowel-cleansing procedure.
According to legal documents, Cavalli received little information about the process and was left unattended during the procedure. The treatment caused her intestines to rupture, leading to unbearable pain and a critical medical situation.
In her account, Cavalli explained that she activated the center’s emergency button several times but received no assistance. Struggling to walk, she made her way to the nearest staff area but collapsed before reaching help. The severity of her condition worsened as she was transported to a private hospital.
Delayed medical care escalates Eva Cavalli’s condition
At the hospital, Cavalli claims she endured further negligence. Despite her critical state, she alleges that medical staff delayed her diagnosis and treatment for 35 hours.
During this time, she experienced severe fever and debilitating pain. Eventually, doctors performed emergency surgery to address the intestinal rupture.
The delay in treatment had lasting consequences. Cavalli underwent two additional surgeries after returning to Italy and continues to suffer from reduced intestinal function. Medical professionals have indicated that her chances of fully recovering are slim, leaving her to manage long-term health complications.
Eva Cavalli’s lawsuit addresses financial and emotional toll
Cavalli’s lawsuit demands over $1.2 million in compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and financial losses. She stated that the negligence disrupted her career, leading to the cancellation of multimillion-dollar contracts.
This incident has not only harmed my health but also significantly impacted my professional and personal life.
The legal filings express the emotional distress Cavalli has endured. She struggles with daily activities and requires ongoing medical care. Her lawyers argue that the hospital’s failure to act promptly directly caused these severe consequences.
Implications for Türkiye’s health tourism sector
Cavalli’s case has raised concerns about the standards in Türkiye’s health tourism industry, a sector that draws thousands of international patients annually. Her lawyer, Dr. Candas Gurol, emphasized that the lawsuit targets the negligence of specific institutions.
Our focus is on ensuring accountability in this case. It’s not a criticism of Türkiye’s healthcare system as a whole.
Eva Cavalli’s lawyer Gurol said
The incident has sparked discussions about patient safety and regulatory oversight in medical tourism. Observers suggest that this case could lead to reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents and protecting patients.
Cavalli hopes her lawsuit will bring attention to the dangers of medical negligence. Her demands include compensation for medical expenses, professional losses, and emotional suffering. Cavalli’s lawyer stressed that the case is an opportunity to hold healthcare providers accountable for failing to meet their responsibilities.
The private hospital has yet to respond to the allegations.
