Patientskadelagen

Patientskadelagen, meaning the Patient Injury Act, is a Swedish law that provides compensation for patients who have suffered an injury or illness as a result of healthcare. The law came into effect on January 1, 1997, replacing previous legislation on the matter. Its primary aim is to ensure that patients receive fair compensation for harm caused by medical care, even if no negligence is proven on the part of the healthcare provider.

The scope of the Patientskadelagen covers injuries and illnesses that arise from medical treatment, including surgeries, diagnostic procedures, medication, and other forms of healthcare. It also extends to injuries sustained during hospital stays, such as infections acquired in a healthcare setting. However, it is important to note that the law does not cover all negative outcomes of healthcare. For an injury to be eligible for compensation, it must be deemed to be of a certain severity, typically requiring more than temporary discomfort or minor inconvenience. The injury must also be a direct consequence of the healthcare provided, rather than an expected or unavoidable complication of a medical condition or treatment.

Claims under the Patientskadelagen are handled by the Swedish Patient Insurance Association (Patientskadeföreningen), which assesses whether an injury meets the criteria for compensation. If a claim is approved, compensation can cover various costs, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and permanent disability. The process is designed to be accessible to patients, aiming for a swift and straightforward resolution.