Medical Liability in Jordanian Law — When Is a Doctor Criminally and Civilly Liable?
Overview
Medical liability in Jordan arises when a doctor or healthcare facility fails to meet the accepted medical standard of care, causing harm to the patient.
Elements of Medical Error
Three elements are required: a medical error (deviation from standard care), actual harm, and direct causation between the error and the harm.
Civil Liability
Civil liability results in compensation for material damages (treatment costs, lost income, disability), moral damages (pain and suffering), and family damages.
Criminal Liability
Gross negligence leading to harm (Article 343) or death (Article 348) of the Penal Code may result in fines or imprisonment.
Proof Challenges
Medical malpractice is difficult to prove due to technical complexity. Immediate preservation of medical records and early legal consultation are critical.