German indemnity legislation has been amended effective 1st August 2002. In accordance
with this amendment, payment of monetary compensation for injuries suffered has now
been extended to claims arising from contract although it had formerly been legally
restricted to penal offences, delicts or in minor cases to misdemeanour. However,
such compensation or solatium (if at all appropriate) will apply only if the damage
is more than consequential. If it is inconsequential, i. e. valued at less than 500
Euros, no compensation will be granted. On the whole, this reshaped legislation lessens
the burden of responsibility shouldered to date by hospitals and doctors.
Second amendment to the German law regulating indemnity and compensation - payment
of compensation for injuries suffered - liability for damage caused by international
and/or negligent acts - absolute liability - claims arising from contractual agreements
- claims arising from penal offences, delicts or misdemeanour - minor injuries - legal
justification argumentation or defence argumentation in the sense covered by paragraph
831 of the German Civil Code - quality control and management
