Compensation for the infringement of personal rights is an important mechanism for protecting individuals against the unlawful actions of third parties. Personal rights, according to the Civil Code, include, in particular, health, freedom, honor, image, privacy, name, and confidentiality of correspondence. Their violation can lead to serious consequences, both psychological and material, which is why the law provides for the possibility of pursuing claims in the form of compensation or redress.
Pursuant to Article 24 of the Civil Code, a person whose personal rights have been violated may demand that the act be discontinued, its effects removed, and an apology issued. Additionally, if the violation resulted in material damage, the injured party is entitled to compensation. In the case of non-material harm, manifesting itself in the form of mental suffering or stress, it is possible to seek compensation for the harm suffered.
The institution of compensation for the infringement of personal rights is regulated by Article 448 of the Civil Code. According to its content, the court may award to the person whose personal rights have been infringed an appropriate sum of money as compensation for the harm suffered or, at their request, award an appropriate sum of money for a social purpose indicated by them, regardless of other means necessary to remove the effects of the infringement.
Compensation and damages for violations of personal rights are awarded by the court based on collected evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. The court considers factors such as the severity of the violation, its consequences, and the perpetrator's culpability. Compensation amounts vary depending on the circumstances of the case and can range from several thousand to several hundred thousand złoty.
Examples of personal rights violations include false accusations, defamation, publication of photos without the consent of the person concerned, and media invasion of privacy. Online violations, for example, through hate speech, false information, or the publication of compromising content, are also becoming increasingly common.
In summary, compensation for violations of personal rights is a key tool in protecting individuals from the unlawful actions of others. It's important to know your rights and pursue claims effectively when they are violated to ensure justice and protection from further negative consequences.
For more information, please contact us. We will assist you at every stage of the process to obtain the compensation you deserve.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal status as of February 25, 2025
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