I was in Court last week for a trial and we ended up settling before it started but part of the settlement was an apology. My friend on the other side kindly introduced me to the Apology Act, 2009.
What a fantastic piece of legislation!
First off it defines what an apology is,“apology” means an expression of sympathy or regret, a statement that a person is sorry or any other words or actions indicating contrition or commiseration, whether or not the words or actions admit fault or liability or imply an admission of fault or liability in connection with the matter to which the words or actions relate.
In the next four sections of the Act, yes, it is only four sections, it continues to say that by simply apologizing one is not admitting any liability in connection to the matter you are apologizing for.
It was a very useful tool for the day we settled and as I looked further into its use, I discovered that it also allows doctors to say sorry to patients. I know this subject opens another explosive conversation with respect to liability and doctors, but just remember everyone is fallible and if the doctors didn’t try then there wouldn’t be any successes.
