What is the ruling on covering up a medical error that led to a patient's death, and is it obligatory to inform the family of the medical error even if it leads to legal accountability?

If a doctor makes an incorrect diagnosis, leading to the patient's death, the doctor is liable for expiation (kaffarah) and blood money (diyah), which is to be paid by his 'aqilah (male relatives on the paternal side). It is not permissible to cover up for him or conceal the truth from the patient's family, as this would deprive the heirs of their right to diyah. The doctor is solely responsible if the error resulted from his diagnosis, especially if the diagnosis was based on guesswork or a misunderstanding of medical reports.

Cases where a doctor is held liable include: an ignorant practitioner, and a skilled doctor who errs in prescribing medication or exceeds the generally accepted medical boundaries.

The patient or their family must be informed of any medical error that leads to the loss of a life or an organ, so they can claim their right to diyah or compensation. It is not permissible to conceal such information, as waiting might lead to the loss of this right. This is akin to the obligation of bearing witness for someone who knows that a right will be lost if they do not testify. Furthermore, disclosing errors is considered part of the ethics of the medical profession.