Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 5641 of 2018 on Medical Liability

Judgment No. 5641 of the Court of Cassation, issued on March 9, 2018, represents an important precedent in the field of professional liability in healthcare. The dispute concerned compensation for damages by the Villa Mafalda Clinic following the death of a patient, D.G.P., due to diagnostic errors and an unnecessary surgical intervention. This case offers numerous points for reflection on the interpretation of medical liability and the assessment of damages.

The Context of the Judgment

The Court of Appeals of Rome had partially accepted the compensation request from the heirs of the patient, arguing that the doctors did not directly cause the patient's death but instead reduced her chances of survival. The Court of Cassation, however, held that compensation should be identified in the loss of the parental relationship, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between loss of chance damage and death damage.

The Causal Link and Damage Assessment

A crucial aspect of the judgment concerns the causal link between medical error and the patient's death. The Court established that, although the doctors' failures did not cause the death, they significantly impacted the quality of life of the patient and the suffering of her family members. The assessment of damages was carried out considering various factors, including:

  • Biological damage: compensated based on the intensity of suffering and the duration of lost life.
  • Moral damage: calculated as a fraction of biological damage.
  • Damage from loss of parental relationship: compensated equitably considering the emotional bond and the impact on the lives of the relatives.
The Court clarified that medical liability is not limited to mere diagnosis but extends to all phases of patient treatment.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 5641 of 2018 from the Court of Cassation emphasizes the importance of a correct interpretation of responsibilities in the healthcare field, highlighting the need for a thorough analysis of the causal link in compensation claims. It establishes an important precedent for future cases of professional liability, drawing attention to how damages should be assessed equitably and proportionately in relation to the suffering and losses experienced by the relatives. In such a complex legal context, it is essential for legal professionals to be prepared to handle similar situations with the necessary competence and sensitivity.

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