Damages
Damages
Damages (/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/) is a term used in the legal and medical fields to refer to the monetary compensation awarded to a person who has suffered loss or injury due to the negligence or unlawful conduct of another party.
Etymology
The term 'damages' originates from the Old French 'domage', which means 'loss or harm'. It was first used in the legal context in the 14th century.
Types of Damages
There are several types of damages that can be awarded in legal cases, including:
- Compensatory Damages: These are awarded to compensate the injured party for the loss or injury suffered. They are intended to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the injury or loss occurred.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages, and are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from committing similar acts.
- Nominal Damages: These are a small amount of money awarded when a legal wrong has occurred, but where there has been no substantial loss or injury that needs to be compensated for.
- Liquidated Damages: These are damages where the amount has been predetermined by the parties in a contract, to be paid in case of breach of the contract.
Related Terms
- Tort: A wrongful act or an infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability.
- Negligence: Failure to take proper care in doing something, which results in damage or injury to another.
- Liability: The state of being responsible for something, especially by law.
- Compensation: Something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Damages
- Wikipedia's article - Damages
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