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IFTTA  Europe - Budapest 2008

Tour operator liability for physical injury under German

law

Presentation by Uta Stenzel, Germany

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Liability of tour organizers for personal injury sustained by

travelers

Contract liability

§ 651 f Abs. 1 BGB

Tort liability

§ 823 Abs. 1 BGB

Contract liability § 651 f Abs. 1 BGB

• non-performance

• fault

• proof of non-fault

• supplier = servant

• § 278 BGB

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Tort liability § 823 Abs. 1 BGB

• duty of care

• fault

• supplier = non-servant

• § 831 BGB

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German Federal Court (BGH)

BGH, 18.07.2006 - X ZR 142/05 - (water slide)

BGH, 18.07.2006 - X ZR 44/04 - (glass door)

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Water Slide BGH, 18.07.2006 - X ZR 142/05

• water slide part of tour services offered by tour organizer

• breach of duty to investigate safety of hotel and hotel facilities

• tour organizer liable for death of child and mental suffering of family

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Glass DoorBGH, 18.07.2006 - X ZR 44/04

• brochure language "equipment suitable for children“ constitutes duty to minimize and if possible to eliminate danger that might result from equipment

• tour organizer liable for permanent injuries of plaintiff

IFTTA  Europe - Budapest 2008

Thank you very much for your attention

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