Summary

The system of compensation for medical damage which does not take into account the guilt of health care workers was established by the Patients Damages Act in 1986 in Finland. Under this Act, medical institutions are required to enter into medical insurance agreements. In the case of an accident, an insurance company will compensate patients for damage. Parties need not prove the guilt of physicians. At the same time, the procedure for compensation for damage suffered by a patient does not deprive the patient of the right to file a civil action with a court. Neither does it prevent the bringing of criminal or disciplinary charges against a medical worker. In practice, the last mentioned charges are seldom brought which shows the effectiveness of the system of compensation for damage suffered by patients.