The loss of opportunity in the health field: the causal link and the protection of the right to compensable physical and moral integrity in Spain

Abstract

Loss of opportunity is a term used by Spanish jurisprudence in the health field, and despite the fact that it is a widely used doctrine, it presents doubtful aspects in the requirements to grant compensation and the configuration of damage. The present study analyzes the origin and the perspectives that treat the loss of opportunity with the purpose of solving the problem that constitutes the causal relationship between the activity of a subject and the damage produced. It emphasizes the difficult treatment for the application of the loss of opportunity technique, requiring for its application the causal uncertainty together with the pre-existence of an ideal situation to obtain a benefit or advantage that has not occurred. The connection between the two will enable the application of the loss of opportunity or expectations, determining the calculation of the compensation in a motivated manner by the Courts based on the probability of the lost opportunity.

Keywords

• patrimonial responsibility; compensation; health care; loss of opportunity; lex artis