Vastuupyynnön

Vastuupyynnön (from the Finnish words vastuustoimi and pyyntä) is a legal claim filed in Finland to hold an individual or organization responsible for damages, losses, or breach of duty. The term is employed in civil law contexts and is conceptually analogous to a claim for compensation in common law systems. A typical vastuupyynnön is presented before a district court (kelanomainen tuomioistuin) and may arise from contract disputes, property damage, personal injury or professional negligence.

The claimant must provide evidence that the defendant owed a duty of care, that the duty was breached, and that the breach caused a measurable loss. The burden of proof lies with the claimant, and the court will assess the plausibility of causation as well as the extent of liability. If a vastuupyynnön is accepted, the defendant may be ordered to pay monetary compensation or perform remedial action. In cases where the claimant cannot establish sufficient proof, the court may dismiss the claim, and the defendant is absolved of liability.

Vastuupyynnöns are regulated by parts of the Finnish Civil Code (siviililaki), particularly those governing contract, tort, and professional liability. In situations involving multiple potential defendants, a kollektiivinen vastuupyynnön (collective claim) may be filed, allowing joint assessment of liability. The Finnish courts adhere to a procedural framework that emphasizes efficiency and the protection of both parties’ legal rights, ensuring that vastuupyynnöns are resolved within a reasonable timeframe.