Medical Malpractice Claims
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
If you suffer harm from medical negligence or malpractice in Bahrain, you have legal options for accountability and compensation:
- Definition: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected of a competent professional, resulting in harm to the patient.
- NHRA complaint: You can file a complaint with the National Health Regulatory Authority, which investigates and can impose disciplinary action on the provider.
- Medical committee: The NHRA refers malpractice complaints to a specialised medical committee that reviews the case and determines whether negligence occurred.
- Civil compensation: You can file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation covering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and disability.
- Criminal prosecution: In cases of gross negligence causing death or serious injury, the healthcare provider may face criminal charges under the Penal Code.
When does it apply?
- You suffered injury, complications, or worsening health due to a doctor's or hospital's negligence.
- A wrong diagnosis, wrong medication, or surgical error caused you harm.
- A family member died as a result of medical negligence.
What should you do?
- Obtain your complete medical records from the facility where the incident occurred.
- Get a second medical opinion documenting the harm and linking it to the provider's actions.
- File a complaint with the NHRA as soon as possible — include all medical documents and a detailed description of what happened.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice to assess whether a civil or criminal case is warranted.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay collecting evidence — medical records and witness accounts become harder to obtain over time.
- Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
- Do not confront the healthcare provider — let the NHRA investigation and legal process handle the matter.
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