Zorgplicht

The duty of care is a fundamental principle of Dutch law that arises from reasonableness and fairness. It requires a party to have regard for the interests of others and to take reasonable measures to avoid causing harm.

This duty applies across various areas of law, including liability law, contract law and administrative law. A breach may give rise to civil liability or administrative sanctions.

In practice, the duty of care is evident, among other contexts, in medical treatment, financial advice and employment relationships, where the care provider or adviser is expected to inform and protect the other party adequately.