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Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Civil Section III, No. 14362 of 2019: Compensation for Damages and Profitability in the Case of a Road Accident

In 2019, the Court of Cassation issued judgment No. 14362, addressing a crucial theme in civil law: compensation for damages in the event of a road accident and the issue of offsetting indemnities and compensation claims. This article offers an in-depth analysis of the ruling, examining the implications for the families of accident victims and the legal norms involved.

The Case Submitted to the Court

The appeal submitted by B.A., M.P., and B.C. concerned the rejection of their claim for compensation for lost profits following the death of a relative in a road accident. The heirs had already received compensation from INAIL and contested the decision of the Court of Appeal in Messina, which had denied their request for additional compensation.

Legal Principles at Play

The life annuity in favor of the relatives of a victim of a road accident acts as an advance on the compensation for the loss of economic contributions guaranteed by the deceased family member.

The Court examined two fundamental principles: "compensatio lucri cum damno" and the distinction between social security indemnities and compensations. According to case law, the indemnity received from INAIL must be deducted from the total compensation claimed to avoid duplications of compensation. The Court confirmed that the right to compensation cannot overlap with social security indemnity, as each benefit serves a different legal purpose.

Practical Implications of the Ruling

This ruling has several implications for the families of road accident victims:

  • It clarifies that the family members of the victim can receive indemnities from INAIL without jeopardizing their right to seek additional compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
  • It establishes that the difference between the compensation claimed and the indemnity received must be clearly defined, avoiding conflicts between social security protections and civil rights.
  • It reinforces the principle of non-duplication of damage, ensuring that the amounts awarded do not exceed the actual damage suffered.

Conclusions

The judgment of the Court of Cassation, Civil Section III, No. 14362 of 2019 represents an important reference point for compensation law in Italy. It clarifies the relationships between social security indemnities and compensation claims, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that protects the rights of the injured parties without harmful overlaps. For lawyers and the families of victims, understanding these principles is essential for navigating the complex landscape of compensation for damages.