Personal liability for dementia patients advisable

Personal liability for dementia patients advisable

09/20/2014

Even if dementia patients lose their mental capacity, they can be held liable for any damage caused. The Confederation of Insured (BdV) therefore points out that a private liability insurance especially for dementia patients is enormously important.

In dementia, not automatically disabled
For affected and relatives the diagnosis of dementia is a shock. Millions of Germans suffer from dementia. More and more the patients are dependent on support with progressive loss of mental capacity. This also includes the question of the necessary insurance coverage. For persons with dementia, private liability insurance is important, as dementia does not automatically result in the person's inability to commit a crime. This is indicated by the Federation of Insured Persons (BdV) in Henstedt-Ulzburg near Hamburg.

Dementia sufferers can be held responsible for any damage caused
If a patient causes personal injury or damage to property, the inability to commit is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Dementia sufferers can also be held liable for any damage caused. In such cases, personal liability insurance applies. Meanwhile, some insurers offer contracts with a so-called tort clause. The companies undertake to regulate in the event of damage on request of the insured even if he is not able to take action because of his illness. With this clause, which so far only for children up to seven years attacked, the peace between the injured party and the injured party should be preserved.

Disease does not constitute a subsequent increase in risk
According to the information provided by the BdV, incipient dementia does not have to be reported to the liability insurer, as the illness does not constitute a subsequent increase in risk. This means that the insurance can not refuse the regulation in case of damage due to such a disease. Also unfounded is the concern about an increase in premiums or even a termination of the liability contract by the insurer. BdV expert Martin Oetzmann explained: „If an insured person suffers from dementia, this does not affect the insurance coverage.“

Nearly 1.5 million Germans suffer from dementia
According to the German Alzheimer's Association, around 1.47 million people in this country suffer from dementia. The number is estimated to double by 2050. On the 21st of September, as every year since 1994 on this date, the World Alzheimer's Day takes place. To do this, a variety of activities are carried out in numerous countries around the world to make the public aware of the disease. (Ad)