You may be able to claim damages by taking legal action, but it is expensive, takes a long time and can be stressful.
Find out what is involved in going to court for damages.
The Human Rights Review Tribunal can order the health or disability provider to pay you damages.
If you have complained to the Health and Disability Commissioner and they agree the Code of Patient Rights was breached, but you are unhappy with the results of that complaint, you may be able to take your complaint to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
You can make your complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner about a breach of the Code of Patient rights, they can investigate your complaint and try to resolve it, but they have no authority to make anyone pay you compensation.
A Health and Disability advocate can help you make a complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner.
Find out how to complain to the Health and Disability Commissioneropen_in_new.
If you were mistreated by a health or disability provider (or they breached your rights under the Code of Patient rights in another way), you can make a complaint with an advocate from the Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service.
This is a free service. An advocate can support you with your complaint and help you resolve your complaint, but they do not have authority to make anyone pay you compensation.
If you decide to make a complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner, an advocate can help you with this.
Find a Health and Disability advocateopen_in_new or call 0800 555 050.
However, taking a claim to the Human Rights Review Tribunal can take years and you may need a lawyer to help you.
Learn where you can find legal advice. We also have other suggestions of where to find support during this process.
Learn about making a claim to the Human Rights Review Tribunalopen_in_new.
If the health or disability provider’s treatment has resulted in a physical or mental injury, you might be eligible for compensation from ACC.
Find out about claiming compensation from ACC.