ADDED DAMAGES Meaning and
Definition
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Added damages refer to additional or supplementary damages that are awarded to a party in a legal dispute beyond the actual losses suffered. They are often awarded when the plaintiff can demonstrate that they have suffered additional harm or injury as a result of the defendant's actions, beyond what was initially estimated or accounted for. Added damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for the additional costs or losses incurred due to the defendant's actions.
This concept is particularly relevant in tort law cases, such as personal injury or property damage lawsuits. For instance, if a person is injured in a car accident and the defendant is found liable, the plaintiff may be awarded added damages if they can show that they suffered additional medical expenses, loss of wages, or pain and suffering that were not initially estimated or accounted for.
Added damages are usually determined by the court, and the amount of such damages can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. They are meant to ensure that the plaintiff is adequately compensated for all their losses and injuries resulting from the defendant's actions, even if those losses were not initially quantified or anticipated.
Overall, added damages serve to provide a fair and comprehensive remedy to plaintiffs, ensuring they are properly compensated for all the harm they have endured due to the defendant's actions.
Etymology of ADDED DAMAGES
The term "added damages" is a legal phrase used to describe additional compensation awarded to the plaintiff beyond the actual damages suffered. It refers to damages that are added on top of the actual amount to provide further compensation for things like loss of reputation, emotional distress, or punitive purposes.
The etymology of the phrase can be traced back to the Latin origins of the word "damage". The Latin term "damnum" means harm, injury, or loss. Over time, this term was adopted into various European languages, including Old French and Middle English as "damage", with the same meaning.
The word "added" is a straightforward English term referring to something that is included or provided as an addition or increase. In the context of legal terminology, "added" is used to indicate the supplementary nature of the damages awarded.
