Mega IT breakdown: Will I get compensation now?

The extent of the worldwide computer problems is slowly becoming clear! More and more industries are reporting the failure of important IT systems. This quickly raises the question: Am I entitled to compensation? BILD spoke to an expert and explained the different scenarios.

One thing is certain: Can my contractual partner (e.g. airline, IT provider) Failure If the company does not provide its services, I do not have to pay anything or I will get my money back.

But what about compensation?

Medical practices without IT: So far, problems in this area have only been reported in Great Britain, but doctors and pharmacies can still work. Practices are using paper files again. No compensation.

Operations cancelled: The University Hospital in Schleswig-Holstein said due to the IT breakdown all operations that could be postponed in Kiel and Lübeck. The outpatient clinics there also remained closed. Lawyer Arndt Kempgens: “Compensation always depends on the type of fault. If someone is grossly negligent, they are liable for damages. This must of course be proven, but this is most likely not the case here. For the clinics, this is force majeure.” No compensation.

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Microsoft apps and cloud service Microsoft 365 cannot be used! Kempgens: “Here, too, there is neither gross negligence nor intent.” No compensation. But if you have a contract with Microsoft, Microsoft is not allowed to charge you money for apps that don't work for a day, for example.

Authorities closed! There were problems in Schleswig-Holstein, for example. The vehicle registration offices in Husum and Niebüll were particularly affected. If an appointment is cancelled – no compensation.

Supermarkets closed! Due to malfunctions in the cash register systems, the 340 Tegut branches in Germany were temporarily closed this morning. No compensation for customers, especially since other providers were open.

It is exciting when authorities or companies themselves have contracts with Microsoft or the responsible security company CrowdStrike. Kempgens: “Also, claims for damages up to normal negligence are normally excluded, but you have to read the small print.” Oliver Roth (56), chief trader at Oddo BHF-Bank: “Billion dollar lawsuits are looming.” A wave of lawsuits could hit the company from Austin (Texas) in the USA in particular.