Patient Complaints and Compensation
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance.
Danish National Law
What is this right?
Denmark has a structured system for patient complaints and compensation:
- Disciplinary complaints: If you believe a healthcare provider acted negligently or below professional standards, file a complaint with Styrelsen for Patientklager (Patient Complaints Agency). The complaint is assessed by the Disciplinary Board (Sundhedsvæsenets Disciplinærnævn).
- Dialogue option: Before filing a formal complaint, you can request a dialogue meeting with the hospital or healthcare provider.
- Treatment injury compensation (patienterstatning): If you suffered harm from treatment, you can claim compensation from Patienterstatningen (Patient Compensation Association) — regardless of whether anyone was at fault. Denmark uses a no-fault compensation model.
- Deadline: Complaints must be filed within 2 years of when you became aware of the issue (5-year absolute deadline).
When does it apply?
- You experienced negligent or substandard treatment from a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.
- You suffered a treatment injury — a complication that should not have occurred under optimal treatment.
What should you do?
- For disciplinary complaints: file at stpk.dk (Patient Complaints Agency) — the process is free.
- For compensation: file a claim with Patienterstatningen at patienterstatningen.dk — also free.
- You can file both types simultaneously — they are independent processes.
- Include medical records, dates, and a description of what went wrong and the consequences.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait more than 2 years — the limitation period starts from when you knew (or should have known) about the issue.
- Don't assume fault must be proven for compensation — Patienterstatningen uses a no-fault model; you only need to show the injury resulted from treatment.
- Don't skip the dialogue option if you are open to it — many issues are resolved faster through direct conversation.
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