Medical Malpractice Lawyer Italy | English‑Speaking Clinical Negligence Solicitors

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Call us now for a free, confidential conversation with a specialist medical malpractice lawyer. You can also email us or fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

Yes, you can. And the law is clearer now than it has ever been.

Italy has a modern, patient‑focused medical liability law. Since the Gelli‑Bianco Law (Law 24/2017), the legal framework for medical malpractice claims is clearer than ever. Here is what you need to know in plain terms.

Who is liable?

Both the individual healthcare professional and the hospital or clinic where the treatment took place can be held responsible. In most cases, foreign patients claim directly against the hospital or healthcare facility, which is insured and has the deeper pockets. Our lawyers will identify the correct defendant from the start.

What do you have to prove?

To succeed, you must show three things:

1. That the care you received fell below the accepted medical standard.
2. That this failure caused your injury or worsened your condition.
3. That the injury resulted in loss — physical, psychological or financial.

Italian courts take a robust approach to medical evidence. We work with top medical experts to build a report that meets the court’s requirements.

What compensation can you claim?

Italian law divides compensation into two broad categories:

• Patrimonial damages, your financial losses. This includes lost earnings, future loss of earning capacity, medical and care costs, rehabilitation, adaptations to your home, and any other out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• Non‑patrimonial damages, the human cost. This covers biological injury (the physical and psychological impact, assessed on a points table), pain and suffering, loss of amenity, and in the worst cases, bereavement damages for family members.

A child injured at birth, for instance, can claim lifelong care and loss of future earnings, as well as a sum reflecting the pain of growing up with a disability.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. In Italy, the limitation period for medical malpractice claims is generally ten years if the case involves a criminal act (which many serious errors do). For purely civil claims, the time limit is usually five years​. The clock starts from the date you knew, or should have known,  about the injury.

DO NOT wait until you feel ready. Medical claims take time to prepare. Experts must be instructed. Records must be obtained. If you delay, you might lose your right to compensation. Contact us as soon as possible. We can tell you whether you are still in time, free of charge.

Call us or send a summary of what happened. A senior medical negligence lawyer will review your situation and tell you, honestly, whether we think you have a viable claim. There is no charge and no obligation.

If we take your case, we immediately obtain your Italian medical records, hospital notes and imaging. We identify the right medical experts,  often leading consultants in the UK or Italy, to report on the standard of care and the extent of your injury.

We present a formal claim to the hospital or doctor’s insurer, supported by the expert evidence. Many cases settle at this stage. We negotiate aggressively to secure the best possible compensation without the stress of a full trial.

If the defendant refuses to offer fair compensation, we issue proceedings in the appropriate Italian court. We handle the entire litigation, keeping you informed in plain English at every stage.

When the case is won or settled, we ensure the damages are paid promptly. We can also advise you on tax implications and on how to manage a substantial award in your country of residence.

I am a tourist. Can I claim if I am already back in my home country?

Absolutely. Your right to claim does not depend on where you live now; it depends on where the negligent treatment occurred. We handle the entire case for clients who have left Italy.

 I signed a consent form. Does that stop me from claiming?

No. A consent form acknowledges that you understood the general risks of a procedure. It does not give a doctor permission to perform substandard work or make avoidable mistakes. Informed consent also requires the doctor to explain alternative treatments and risks specific to you. Failing to do so can itself be a basis for a claim.

How much compensation will I receive?

Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your life and your work, your age, and the costs you have incurred. At your free assessment, we will give you a realistic range based on our experience with similar cases.

How long does a medical malpractice claim take in Italy?

A straightforward claim that settles without court proceedings can resolve in 12‑18 months. If the case goes to trial, it may take two to three years, sometimes longer. We will give you a timeline estimate once we understand your case.

Will I have to go to court in Italy?

Most cases settle out of court. If your case does go to trial, we attend on your behalf. In most instances, your physical presence is not required. We will tell you if your case is an exception.

How much will it cost me to make a claim?

We offer a free initial consultation. If we believe your case is strong, we will discuss funding options openly and transparently. We often act on a no‑win, no‑fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. We will never ask for hidden fees.

Call us now on +44 (0)20 3300 0777​ or complete the form below and we will get back to you within one working day.