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Health · Germany
Updated September 2026

⚕️ A medical error caused lasting harm — how do I claim compensation?

Direct answer

Two separate tracks: a complaint about the care (which does not pay money) and a compensation claim, which in most EU countries goes first to a no-fault or patient-injury scheme — Gutachter- und Schlichtungsstelle der Landesärztekammer (bundesaerztekammer.de) — that pays for avoidable harm without proving anyone was negligent, faster and without court. Request your full medical records first; they are the evidence. Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD) (0800 011 77 22) handles the complaint about the treatment; Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / Prozesskostenhilfe (bmj.de) advises on a court claim where the scheme does not apply, and on deadlines, which are usually three years from knowing about the harm.

Call firstGutachter- und Schlichtungsstelle der Landesärztekammer
Report toUnabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)
If that failsAmtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / Prozesskostenhilfe

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I was treated at [place] for [condition]. As a result of [what went wrong] I now have [lasting harm]. I request a copy of my complete medical records and file a claim for compensation for avoidable injury."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Records firstFull file, including nursing notes and imaging. You have a right to a copy within a month.
  2. Independent opinionA second doctor's view on whether the harm was avoidable. Patient organisations know who does these assessments.
  3. Scheme claim: Gutachter- und Schlichtungsstelle der LandesärztekammerForm, records, the harm and its consequences. No lawyer needed; the scheme investigates.
  4. Complaint: Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)In parallel — it improves care and its findings help the claim.
  5. Court or insurer: Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / ProzesskostenhilfeWhere the scheme does not cover (private care in some countries), the provider's liability insurer, then court. Watch the three-year deadline.

📇 All contacts

Gutachter- und Schlichtungsstelle der LandesärztekammerFree expert assessment of treatment errorsSuspected treatment error, before going to court🔗 www.bundesaerztekammer.de
Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)Free, neutral advice on complaints and rightsFirst stop outside the hospital📞 0800 011 77 22🔗 www.patientenberatung.de
Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / ProzesskostenhilfeFree legal advice and court costs on low incomeWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.bmj.de/DE/themen/gerichtsverfahren/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe_node.html
LandesärztekammerProfessional oversight of doctorsFor conduct that breaches professional rules🔗 www.bundesaerztekammer.de/ueber-uns/landesaerztekammern

❓ Frequently asked

Do I need to prove negligence?

Under a patient-injury scheme, no — only that the injury was avoidable with the best available care. In court, yes; that is why the scheme goes first where it exists.

What can I claim?

Medical costs, lost income, care, adaptations, and pain and suffering. Keep every receipt from day one.

The hospital offered a small settlement

Get the independent opinion before signing; a settlement usually waives everything. Legal aid can review it.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “medical negligence compensation Germany”
  • “patient injury claim no fault”
  • “medical error claim deadline”
  • “medical records request right”
  • “sue hospital Germany”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→🧒Child at risk→♿Care support refused→

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