The private teaching company, EAE Business School, which belongs to EAE-Ostelea, has been ordered to refund a student who was unable to complete a training course due to the aggravation of Crohn’s disease. This ruling is significant for chronically ill individuals who may struggle with fulfilling contracts due to unforeseen health complications.
In this case, the company argued that the student’s pre-existing condition did not prevent him from taking the course and demanded payment of the outstanding fees. However, unexpectedly, the student’s health deteriorated leading to the termination of the contract. After a legal battle, the court ruled in favor of the student and ordered a full 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 with the course despite his illness. The court based its decision on what is known as “the clause as things stand doctrine,” which aims to rebalance contracts in cases where unforeseen changes create disproportionate disadvantages for one party.
The ruling highlights the importance of good faith and absence of fault in such situations. It concludes that despite payment, there was a significant imbalance in benefits agreed upon, warranting a full refund of all amounts paid. This case emphasizes the need for fair treatment of individuals facing unforeseen health challenges in contractual agreements.
This ruling also serves as an important reminder that companies must be mindful of their obligations towards their customers when dealing with chronically ill individuals who may face unexpected health complications during contractual agreements.
