Medical negligence — Ārstniecības riska fonds · Latvia

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 — Ārstniecības riska fonds (vi.gov.lv) — that pays for avoidable harm without proving anyone was negligent, faster and without court. Request your full medical records first; they are the evidence. Veselības inspekcija (67819671) handles the complaint about the treatment; Juridiskās palīdzības administrācija (80001801) 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 firstĀrstniecības riska fonds

Report toVeselības inspekcija

If that failsJuridiskās palīdzības administrācija

🗣️ 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: Ārstniecības riska fondsForm, records, the harm and its consequences. No lawyer needed; the scheme investigates.
Complaint: Veselības inspekcijaIn parallel — it improves care and its findings help the claim.
Court or insurer: Juridiskās palīdzības administrācijaWhere the scheme does not cover (private care in some countries), the provider's liability insurer, then court. Watch the three-year deadline.

📇 All contacts

Ārstniecības riska fondsNo-fault compensation for treatment harmHarm after treatment, within 2 years🔗 www.vi.gov.lv

Veselības inspekcijaInvestigates complaints about care quality, freeWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 67819671 🔗 www.vi.gov.lv/lv/iesniegumi-un-sudzibas

Juridiskās palīdzības administrācijaState legal aid for low incomesWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 80001801 🔗 jpa.gov.lv

Latvijas Ārstu biedrība — ētikas komisijaEthics proceedingsFor concerns about a doctor's ethics🔗 www.arstubiedriba.lv

❓ 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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