Five years after the death of a patient at the La Rochelle hospital (Charente-Maritime), justice has ruled. The family of an 85-year-old retiree had attacked the health establishment to obtain compensation, believing that the establishment had made errors and caused the death of the octogenarian, in 2021. The administrative court of Poitiers (Vienne) finally rendered its decision on Thursday February 19, 2026, reports HERE La Rochelle.
“It’s a bitter victory”
Justice recognized the “nosocomial nature” of Covid-19, which the man had contracted during his hospitalization. The National Office for Compensation for Medical Accidents (Oniam) was therefore ordered to pay €45,000 to the family.
The relatives also accused the hospital of not having explained to them that the patient was dying, and of having taken care of him in a department considered to be a source of contamination. But these two points were dismissed by the court. “It’s a bitter victory”commented the octogenarian’s daughter. The family and the hospital have two months to appeal.
