Key points
- A medical accident may result from fault, a hospital-acquired infection, or a therapeutic hazard.
- Compensation may sometimes be possible even without medical fault.
- ONIAM may cover certain damages under the principle of national solidarity.
- The medical assessment determines the causes of the harm and evaluates the losses suffered.
- Compensation must cover all the personal and professional consequences of the accident.
- A lawyer helps the victim obtain compensation tailored to their situation.
A complication following a procedure, a medical error, or a hospital-acquired infection can lead to significant consequences: after-effects, persistent pain, loss of income, or disability.
In this context, personal injury compensation makes it possible to cover all the losses suffered.
Attorney Marilyne Letessier, a personal injury lawyer in Nice, assists victims of medical accidents in obtaining compensation that is truly tailored to their situation.
What is a medical accident?
A medical accident refers to harm that occurs during a preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic act.
In practice, this may include:
- a medical error
- a therapeutic hazard
- a hospital-acquired infection
- an abnormal complication
Thus, even in the absence of fault, compensation may still be possible in certain situations.
Can you receive compensation without medical fault?
Yes, you can obtain compensation even without fault.
Indeed, French law provides for compensation under the principle of national solidarity in certain cases.
In this context, organizations such as ONIAM may intervene when the harm reaches a certain level of severity.
What types of damages can be compensated?
Compensation covers all the consequences of the medical accident.
For example, it includes:
- Physical and psychological suffering
- Functional impairment
- Loss of income
- Professional impact
- Need for assistance
- Medical and future expenses
- Aesthetic damage:
- Loss of enjoyment
Get a free initial estimate of your damages in just a few minutes.
The medical assessment: an essential step
The medical assessment makes it possible to analyze the causes of the harm and evaluate the damages.
It is therefore a decisive stage of the case.
However, a poorly prepared assessment can lead to insufficient compensation.
This is why appropriate support helps to effectively defend the victim’s interests.
The medical assessment is a key step in the compensation process.
Learn more about the medical assessment
What are the timeframes for compensation?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the case.
First, a medical assessment is carried out.
Then, a compensation offer may be made.
In practice, the duration depends on the medical progression and the severity of the after-effects.
To understand the entire process, visit our dedicated page on personal injury compensation.
Medical accident lawyer in Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes
Based in Nice, Attorney Marilyne Letessier assists victims in the Alpes-Maritimes, across the PACA region, and throughout France.
Legal References and Useful Information
To better understand the rules governing compensation for victims of a medical accident, you may consult the following resources:
- Article L1142-1 of the French Public Health Code — establishes the principles governing compensation for medical accidents, iatrogenic conditions, and hospital-acquired infections, whether fault is involved or not.
- Article L1142-1-1 of the French Public Health Code — provides for compensation through national solidarity for certain serious hospital-acquired infections.
- Article L1142-22 of the French Public Health Code — defines the role and responsibilities of ONIAM in the compensation of medical accidents.
- Service-public.fr — information on the procedure for referring a case to the Medical Accidents Conciliation and Compensation Commission (CCI).
- ONIAM — information on compensation for medical accidents, therapeutic hazards, and hospital-acquired infections.
- Dintilhac Nomenclature — the reference framework used to identify and assess the various heads of compensable loss.
Frequently asked questions about compensation for medical accident victims
What is a medical accident?
A medical accident is harm suffered in connection with a preventive, diagnostic, or medical treatment procedure. It may result from medical negligence, a therapeutic hazard, a hospital-acquired infection, a lack of informed consent, or inappropriate medical care.
Is it necessary to prove medical negligence in order to obtain compensation?
Not always. Compensation may be available in cases of medical negligence, but also in certain no-fault situations, particularly where a serious therapeutic hazard or a hospital-acquired infection is involved. The applicable legal framework depends on the circumstances of the harm and the medical analysis of the case.
How can you tell whether medical negligence has occurred?
The existence of medical negligence is assessed on the basis of the medical records, the circumstances surrounding the medical care provided, and, in most cases, a medical assessment. This assessment makes it possible to determine whether the care provided complied with accepted medical standards and whether the harm suffered is causally linked to the treatment received.
What types of losses can be compensated after a medical accident?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, permanent after-effects, functional impairment, the need for third-party assistance, professional losses, aesthetic damage, as well as the consequences on the victim’s personal and family life.
Why seek legal assistance in a medical accident case?
Medical accident cases require a careful review of medical records, medical reports, certificates, and expert assessments. Legal support helps prepare the necessary steps, identify the applicable compensation scheme, and ensure that all losses suffered are fully and properly assessed.