Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Section III, No. 20829/2018: Liability of the ASL and Damages Compensation

The judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 20829 of 2018 represents an important reference point in Italian jurisprudence regarding health liability and the quantification of non-pecuniary damages. In this article, we will delve into the details of the decision, analyzing the implications for healthcare facilities and their personnel.

Context of the Judgment

The Court of Appeal of Genoa had upheld the appeal of C.P. and F.A., parents of a minor, F.S., against the ASL for compensation for the damages suffered by their child due to diagnostic-therapeutic omissions by the doctors during childbirth. The Court found that the healthcare personnel did not timely notice a placental abruption, which caused neurological damage to the newborn.

The liability of the ASL for diagnostic omissions was confirmed by the Court of Cassation, which emphasized the importance of timely intervention to prevent irreversible damage.

Legal Principles and Causal Link

The Court examined several grounds of appeal presented by the ASL, deeming some challenges regarding the technical consultancy (CTU) inadmissible. In particular, it was highlighted that challenges to a CTU must be presented within specific timeframes, under penalty of forfeiture. This aspect underscores the importance of proper procedural management in legal disputes concerning health liability.

  • The contractual liability of the ASL for damages suffered by the patient is governed by Articles 1218 and 1228 of the Civil Code.
  • The causal link must be rigorously established, considering any pre-existing conditions of the patient.
  • The quantification of damages must take into account the specific circumstances of the case, without applying automatic reductive measures.

Quantification of Damages and Conclusions

A crucial aspect of the judgment concerns the quantification of damages. The Court established that, in the presence of a pathological antecedent not attributable to the conduct of healthcare professionals, it is possible to limit the amount of compensation only at the stage of equitable assessment. This implies that the assessment of damages must be carried out prudently and reasonably, taking into account all the circumstances of the specific case.

In conclusion, the judgment No. 20829/2018 of the Court of Cassation provides important insights into health liability and the criteria for quantifying damages. It reaffirms the necessity of timely intervention by medical personnel and the complexity of the causal link in matters of civil liability.

Bianucci Law Firm