Courts Side with Students in Dispute Over Health-Related Contractual Obligations

A significant ruling has been handed down in favor of a student who was unable to complete a training course due to an aggravation of Crohn’s disease. The private teaching company, EAE-Ostelea, had argued that the student’s pre-existing condition did not prevent him from taking the course and demanded payment of the outstanding fees. However, the court ruled in favor of the student and ordered a refund of all amounts paid.

The magistrate criticized the company for not providing medical evidence to support their claims that the student could have continued the course despite his illness. The court based its decision on the clause as things stand doctrine, which aims to rebalance contracts in cases of unforeseen changes that create disproportionate disadvantages to one party.

The ruling emphasizes the importance of good faith and absence of fault in such situations. It concludes that the student’s inability to complete the course despite payment created a significant imbalance in the benefits agreed upon, warranting a refund of all amounts paid. This case highlights the need for fair treatment of individuals facing unforeseen health challenges in contractual agreements.