Rückgriff

Rückgriff is a German noun that denotes recourse, recoupment, or resort to something. It can describe both a legal claim to reimbursement and a broader act of turning to a source or precedent for support.

In civil and insurance law, Rückgriff refers to the right of a person or entity that has paid a claim to reclaim the amount from someone liable or from a party primarily responsible for the loss. For example, an insurer that has indemnified a policyholder may pursue a Rückgriff against the at-fault driver or against another liable party. The scope and procedures of Rückgriff depend on the relevant law, contract terms, and the facts of the case; it may be pursued through a Rückgriffsklage or, in some contexts, through an off-set or settlement agreement.

Beyond legal usage, Rückgriff is also used in a more general sense to mean resorting to a source, precedent, or experience. For instance, one may make a Rückgriff on older decisions, data, or authorities when making a current argument or decision.

Etymologically, the term combines zurück (back) and Griff (grip, hold), conveying the idea of taking hold of a claim or resource again as a form of recourse.

See also terms related to recourse and subrogation, such as subrogation in tort or contract law, and the broader concept of resorting to established sources or precedents in decision-making.