The Perruche case and the issue of compensation for the consequences of medical error

The case of Nicolas Perruche gave rise to a national debate in France over compensation for serious consequences of medical error. Ultimately, legislation was enacted banning the cause of action known in Anglo-American law as wrongful life, and an agency was established to adjudicate subsequent claims. As other developed nations continue to wrestle with rapid increases in the cost of professional liability coverage and health care in general, a review of the Perruche case and its influence on French health policy may advance the discussion beyond the current stalemate of hardened advocacy positions.