German court analyzes complaints against anti-covid vaccines – 7/3/2023 – Health

Two German courts begin judging this Monday (7/3) lawsuits against Covid-19 vaccine makers Biontech and Astrazeneca.

The Regional Court of Rottweil, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in southern Germany, analyzes the action brought by a 58-year-old man for damage to health that he attributes to the immunizer produced by the German company Biontech in partnership with the American Pfizer.

The man claims that, as a result of the vaccine, he suffered a serious deterioration of vision in his right eye and demands compensation of 150,000 euros for the suffering caused. In addition, the court must decide on any material damages to be paid by Biontech.

The company stated that, after careful review of the complaint filed, it considers the allegation to be unfounded. A decision on the case is not expected on Monday.

At the same time, a hearing will begin at the Higher Regional Court of Bamberg, in Bavaria, also in the south of the country, in the context of proceedings against Astrazeneca.

After serious health complaints that she attributed to the British-Swedish manufacturer’s anti-covid vaccine, a woman demands that the company compensate her for the damage. Six months ago, the same court dismissed the action. The woman appealed the decision, leading to a new hearing on Monday.

More than 200 claims

The two civil lawsuits are among the first filed against anti-Covid vaccine makers in Germany.

In total, there are 209 claims for compensation against producers of immunizers against Covid-19 pending in the country’s courts, according to the newspaper Welt am Sonntag last weekend, citing the Ministry of Health.

As part of their supply agreements with the European Union (EU), vaccine manufacturers are generally not responsible for any unexpected side effects caused by their vaccines. The respective Member States of the bloc would have to pay compensation, as well as the legal costs for the company.

According to a report by the European Court of Auditors, this does not apply if the damage was caused, for example, by gross negligence or non-compliance with current EU production practices.

lf/cn (DPA)