Family of Drita Tafa files lawsuit against the Clinical Center of Montenegro over medical malpractice

Attorney Liridon Sefa, legal representative of the family of the late Drita Tafa, stated in a statement submitted to Portal ETV that close family members of the deceased filed a lawsuit on February 6, 2026, with the Basic Court in Ulcinj against the Clinical Center of Montenegro, seeking compensation for non-pecuniary damage due to the death of a close relative.

- On February 6, 2026, the close family members of the late Drita Tafa filed a lawsuit with the Basic Court in Ulcinj against the Clinical Center of Montenegro, seeking compensation for non-pecuniary damage in connection with the death of a close family member - Sefa stated.

He emphasized that the lawsuit is accompanied by the findings and opinion of the Commission for Extraordinary External Review of the Medical Chamber of Slovenia dated August 26, 2025, which was prepared at the initiative of the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, and that this report indicates serious shortcomings in the medical treatment.

- The content of this report clearly shows that there were omissions at the Clinical Center of Montenegro during the treatment of the late Drita Tafa and that not all medical standards were complied with in the course of her treatment - Sefa said, adding that the said findings and opinion are „detailed, concise and unequivocal“, and were prepared on the basis of clear and specific questions addressed to the Slovenian commission by the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.

As he explained, due to the need for the unhindered conduct of both the criminal and civil proceedings, it is not possible to disclose details of the content of the report, all with the aim of protecting the rights of the family of the late Drita Tafa, and especially the minor children, who are involved in and aware of the entire situation.

Sefa also clarified that additional evidence was proposed in the lawsuit, including expert examination by a forensic medicine expert, as well as other expert opinions as necessary, bearing in mind that this is a newly initiated civil proceeding in which it is necessary to conduct new expert examinations for the purposes of that proceeding, with a concentration of evidence in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Procedure Act. According to him, the findings and opinion of the Slovenian commission will serve as a basis for the further presentation of the proposed evidence, as it was prepared on the basis of the available medical documentation and has a direct legal connection with the claim.

He stressed that criminal proceedings are still ongoing before the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office, within which there are two expert findings and opinions - the report of the Slovenian commission and the report of the Forensic Medical Board in Belgrade.

- We have previously stated that it is necessary to supplement the Belgrade findings and opinion, and further legal actions will be undertaken in that direction - Sefa said.

He also pointed out that the civil proceedings are being conducted in parallel with the criminal proceedings, and that the lawsuit filed with the Basic Court in Ulcinj, from the aspect of mental anguish caused by the tragic outcome of Drita Tafa’s death, represents a necessary and justified legal action for the family members - the husband and minor children - in order to protect their rights and legal interests.

Finally, Sefa stated that the family is unable to provide additional statements at this time.

- This is the only statement we can make at this moment, always taking as a special guiding principle the protection of the interests of the minor children and preventing their unnecessary exposure to public pressure, as well as ensuring the unhindered conduct of the proceedings - Sefa concluded.