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Cass. civ., Sez. III, Ord. n. 18275/2022: Extracontractual and Fiduciary Liability in the Healthcare Sector

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation, no. 18275 of 2022, offers significant insights regarding extracontractual liability in the healthcare context. The case in question involves the liability of an insurance company following a false reliance on the healthcare coverage of a cesarean delivery. The Court's analysis provides an important interpretation of the liability dynamics between the parties involved.

The Context of the Decision

The dispute arose from the action of T.A. against an insurance company, in relation to a cesarean delivery of his partner. The situation became complicated due to incorrect information regarding the insurance coverage, which led T.A. to incur unexpected expenses. The Court of Appeal of Florence initially granted the compensation request, establishing a causal link between the company's conduct and the damage suffered by T.A., who was forced to pay out of pocket for a service he believed was covered.

The Court stated that the plaintiff had sought compensation for the damage suffered as a result of the false reliance induced by the insurance company on the healthcare coverage of his partner.

The Legal Issues Raised

The decision of the Court of Cassation focused on various legal aspects, including:

  • The active legitimacy of T.A. to request compensation, despite the insurance contract being formally in the name of his partner.
  • The evaluation of the causal link between the company's actions and the damage suffered.
  • The implications of fiduciary duties and the erroneous communications between the parties involved.

The Court clarified that T.A. had the right to act as he was directly harmed by the company's conduct, emphasizing the importance of the principle of legitimate reliance in civil law.

Conclusions

This ruling of the Court of Cassation represents an important precedent in Italian jurisprudence regarding extracontractual liability in the healthcare sector. It highlights how the information provided by the involved parties, particularly in the insurance context, can significantly influence consumer decisions. The judgment reiterates the importance of clarity in communications and the necessity to protect individuals' rights against misleading or opaque practices in the healthcare sector.