[Medical accountability: current elements]

In 2002, a new law significantly modified the legal treatment of medical accidents in France, encouraging dialogue and conciliation rather than litigation. Specific structures were created to settle disputes without recourse to the judiciary system. A mechanismfor national solidarity was also created in order to indemnfy some victims. More than ten years later the number of court cases has diminished but vigilance is still required, notably because of the increasingly large sums awarded to victims of medical accidents.