Q: What is the statute of limitation for medical negligence/malpractice under UAE civil and criminal laws?

Q: Hi. I won a DHA ruling of malpractice against a Dubai-based dental clinic and need to go to court to recover the money I paid out. I’m also hoping for some compensation for the year of pain and inconvenience I went through as a result. I'm told that I have to pay 6% of my claim up front. How much should I claim? I spent AED 30,000 on the original dentist and AED 80,000 correcting the problem. I gave a statement as part of the malpractice case. As I have already won this, do I still need a lawyer to represent me, or would the judge use my original statements? I appreciate any advice on this matter. Thanks Fariba

Q: In case the incident occurred while the doctor was employed and the verdict from the health authority and the civil court comes after the doctor has resigned from the hospital, who pays for the compensation; the insurance provider or the doctor?

Medical treatment provided to patients does not always achieve the desired results, and sometimes it may lead to catastrophic consequences that cannot be remedied. This is due to several factors, some of these factors are related to the therapist or to the patient himself, or even related to God's will. It was, therefore, necessary for the legislator to intervene and develop the laws governing medical malpractice cases and set the limitations of liability for the therapist in such cases.

Exploring the various factors related to medical errors, including their definition, causes, severity, and legal implications, and highlighting the importance of understanding liability and compensation for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.

The law promulgates UAE Criminal Procedural Law (Penal Procedures Law) which governs criminal procedures in the UAE. This law applies to the procedures relating to offences whose punishments are not specified, dogma and punitive offences, and blood money, if they do not violate the Sharia rules.