Medical negligence — Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa

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 — Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-Pazjent (health.gov.mt) — that pays for avoidable harm without proving anyone was negligent, faster and without court. Request your full medical records first; they are the evidence. Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali (2567 4200) handles the complaint about the treatment; Kunsill Mediku ta' Malta (2299 2455) 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 firstUffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-Pazjent

Report toAġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali

If that failsKunsill Mediku ta' Malta

🗣️ 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

Records firstFull file, including nursing notes and imaging. You have a right to a copy within a month.
Independent opinionA second doctor's view on whether the harm was avoidable. Patient organisations know who does these assessments.
Scheme claim: Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-PazjentForm, records, the harm and its consequences. No lawyer needed; the scheme investigates.
Complaint: Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliIn parallel — it improves care and its findings help the claim.
Court or insurer: Kunsill Mediku ta' MaltaWhere the scheme does not cover (private care in some countries), the provider's liability insurer, then court. Watch the three-year deadline.

📇 All contacts

Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-PazjentPatient rights and medical recordsFor access to records and compensation🔗 health.gov.mt/en/Pages/patients-charter.aspx

Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 2567 4200 🔗 legalaidmalta.gov.mt

Kunsill Mediku ta' MaltaDisciplinary proceedings against doctorsFor concerns about competence or ethics📞 2299 2455 🔗 deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/regcounc/mcm/Pages/complaints.aspx

Tribunal għal Talbiet ŻgħarClaims up to €5,000 without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 justice.gov.mt/en/justice/Pages/Small-Claims-Tribunal.aspx

❓ 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

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