Business Law
Introduction
Damages are the award payable in form of money to the person the aggrieved person as
compensation for loss or injuries suffered. Damages are calculated based on the type of claim
presented and the jurisdiction. Rules for the claims of damages for the breach of contract are
different from those of a claim in tort.
Under common law, damages are divided into two groups’ i.e. compensatory damages and
punitive damages. Compensatory damages include special damages, economic losses for
instance loss of earnings, medical expenses, property and general damages. Others like pain,
suffering depression and emotional distress are non economic. Compensatory damages which are
referred to as actual damages are normally paid to compensate for injuries or harm suffered by
the claimant. (Adams, Brownsword, 1999)
Quantum (measure) of damages for the breach of contract duty by a defendant, a court will
award a total sum that would restore substantially the injured party to the last economic position
they expected from the overall performance of the promise known as the expectation measure.
Parties may decide before the contract, the liquidated damages payable upon breach by either
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parties by inserting a clause to that effect even though a court can ignore them in cases where
they are meant to be punitive i.e. when they are termed as penal damages. (Fuller and Eisenberg,
2006). The court will uphold them only if they are in good faith and are genuine in an attempt to
quantify a loss in advance.
General damages compensate the claimant for specific harm suffered which are non monetary
in nature for instance pain, depression, suffering and loss of amenity i.e. emotional pain,
disfigurement, impairment, loss of companionship among others. They are not only non
quantifiable but also largely depend on the circumstance of each claimant. Some judges in UK
base awards on the basis of previous judgements. General damages are awarded only in specific
claims brought by individuals, after suffering personal harm i.e. personal injury. (Nadine, 2009)
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References.
Bradney, A., Cownie, F., Masson, J, Neal, A., Newell, D. (1995) How to Study Law. Sweet &
Maxwell,
Adams, N., Brownsword, R. (1999) Understanding Law. Sweet & Maxwell, 2nd Ed
Twining, W., Miers, D, (1999) How to do Things with Rules .Butterworths. 4th Ed,
Morrison, W., Geary, A., and Malleson, K. (2004) Common Law and Reasoning & Institutions.
London. University of London.
Goode, R. (1995) Commercial Law. Penguin Books, 2nd Ed
Smith, J. (2002) The law of Contract .Sweet & Maxwell, 4th Ed
Adams, N., Brownsword, R., (2000) Understanding Contract law. Sweet & Maxwell, 3rd Ed,
Fuller, L., Eisenberg, M (2006). Basic Contract Law (8th edition Ed.). St. Paul, Minn.:
Thomson/West.
Nadine, B. (2009). How To Run Your Own Court Case. Sydney: Redfern Legal Centre.
