Medical Malpractice Claims
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
If a healthcare provider's negligence causes you harm, you have the right to seek compensation:
- Malpractice definition: A medical error that falls below the accepted standard of care and results in injury, disability, or death.
- Sharia Medical Committees: Malpractice cases are reviewed by specialized medical committees within the Ministry of Health that assess whether negligence occurred.
- Compensation (diyya): If malpractice is proven, the patient (or family) receives compensation. For death, the maximum diyya is SAR 300,000 (blood money). For injuries, compensation is proportional to the harm.
- Criminal penalties: Grossly negligent practitioners face up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, plus potential licence suspension.
- Insurance coverage: All licensed medical practitioners must carry malpractice insurance.
When does it apply?
- You were harmed by a medical procedure due to a doctor's or hospital's negligence.
- A family member died or was permanently injured due to medical error.
- You want to file a malpractice complaint against a healthcare provider.
What should you do?
- Gather all medical records related to the treatment and the harm caused.
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Health (call 937) — the case will be referred to a Sharia Medical Committee.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in Saudi medical malpractice cases to understand your compensation options.
- Get an independent medical opinion documenting the standard of care and how it was breached.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay filing — malpractice claims should be filed promptly while evidence and records are available.
- Do not accept a settlement without legal advice — you may be entitled to more than what is offered.
- Do not assume all bad outcomes are malpractice — the committee must find that the provider deviated from the standard of care.
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