You have the right to claim compensation for an unlawful involuntary placement in a mental health care institution ordered by a judge or a court.
If you have been placed in a mental health care institution involuntarily through an unlawful decision by the court, you have the right to compensation. In Bulgaria, this right is included under the national State and Municipal Liability Act.
You can ask for compensation in the following situations:
Acquittal or termination
If you were placed in a mental health care institution involuntarily in relation to your criminal case, but you were later acquitted or the criminal case was terminated against you. In such a case you can seek compensation for damages according to the State and Municipal Liability Act.
When filing this claim, you should explain all the relevant facts and what rights were violated in your opinion and how. The compensation claim can include both:
- Material damages (for example, loss of profit because you could not go to work) and
- Moral compensation (for example, the humiliation you suffered from being detained)