Compensation for illegal hospitalization... Application deadline, August 10.

Compensation for illegal hospitalization... Application deadline, August 10.

Published :
Jun 25, 2025

If you have been hospitalized against your will for more than 72 hours without seeing a judge, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you were hospitalized against your will, for more than 72 hours, without seeing a judge, between January 1, 2015 and November 4, 2024, you may be entitled to compensation. But the claim must be sent before August 10. Call now, we can help you make your claim.

In Quebec, the law allows the forced hospitalization of a person for a maximum of 72 hours, if they represent a serious and immediate danger to themselves or others. Beyond this period, a judge's order is required. Otherwise, your rights are violated.


To defend these rights, Action Autonomie, a collective for the defense of mental health rights in Montreal, has launched a class action in 2019, with the help of Me Patrick Martin-Ménard of Ménard, Martin Avocats.

Last November, an $8.5 million settlement was reached to compensate all those who might have suffered this type of abuse of rights in healthcare establishments across Quebec between January 1, 2015 and November 4, 2024.

Who's concerned?

Anyone hospitalized against their will, for more than 3 days, without seeing a judge, for the past 9 years.

‍EnGaspésie, it is estimated that there were over 1,000 preventive guards during this period.
While not all of these guards necessarily broke the law, there are a number of people affected who may be eligible for compensation.
If you think you're affected, or if you know someone in this situation, it's worth making the claim!

To do so, you must complete and submit a claim form by August 10.

Need help?

At Droits et Recours Santé Mentale Gaspésie-Les-Îles, legal expert Marilou Ruelland is on hand to help you check your eligibility and make any necessary claims.

Don't hesitate to contact her at 1 800 463-6192, ext. 5, or write to her! At marilou@drsmgim.org.

Respecting your rights is our priority!

Have you witnessed or are you a victim of abuse, questionable care practices or outright mistreatment in mental health?