Legal Definitions - damnum

Damnum refers to a quantifiable loss or damage that an individual or entity has experienced. It signifies the detriment or harm suffered, often forming the basis for a legal claim seeking compensation.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of damnum:

• Example 1: Business Interruption
  A small bakery had its electricity supply unexpectedly cut off for three days due to a utility company error. As a result, all their perishable ingredients spoiled, they couldn't bake or sell products, and they lost revenue from missed sales during that period.

  Explanation: The spoiled ingredients, the lost income from sales, and any additional costs incurred due to the interruption (e.g., emergency generator rental) all represent the damnum suffered by the bakery. These are the direct, measurable losses caused by the utility company's error.

• Example 2: Personal Injury
  While walking on a public sidewalk, an individual tripped and fell due to a negligently maintained broken paving slab. They sustained a broken ankle, requiring surgery, several weeks of physical therapy, and were unable to work at their job for two months, leading to significant medical bills and lost wages.

  Explanation: The medical expenses for surgery and therapy, along with the income lost from being unable to work, constitute the damnum experienced by the injured individual. These are the tangible financial and physical harms directly resulting from the accident.

• Example 3: Property Damage
  A homeowner's fence was accidentally destroyed by a delivery truck that veered off the driveway. The homeowner had to pay for the removal of the damaged fence and the installation of a new one, incurring substantial costs.

  Explanation: The financial outlay for removing the old fence and purchasing and installing a replacement fence represents the damnum suffered by the homeowner. This is the direct cost associated with repairing the physical damage to their property.