[Unpredictable risk and damage compensation in civil process].

UNPREDICTABLE RISK DEFINITION: Any medical or surgical action with diagnostic or therapeutic purpose involves a potential risk of complication, unrelated to the initial pathology or a technical error, but could lead to death or disability. Proof of unpredictable risk without initial fault requires a careful examination of each case by a judicial expert in order to eliminate the complications related to an unskilled surgeon or to poor postoperative care. UNPREDICTABLE RISK COMPENSATION: Conclusions of the Academy: In current French common law, damage compensation can only be obtained in cases where all possible medical means are not implemented and professional fault can be proven. It is illogical to extend the civil responsibility of the practitioner to an obligation of procedural result. In the absence of fault, damage compensation does not come under the civil responsibility of the surgeon. A special insurance system for unpredictable risk has to be created using the principles of mutual insurance.