Eggshell Skull Rule (Thin Skull Rule)
News: The Supreme Court has rejected application of ‘eggshell skull’ rule in a case.
Origin: The Vosburg v. Putney case in 1891 is often cited as a foundational case for establishing this legal principle.
Eggshell Skull Rule: The eggshell skull rule is a legal principle used in civil cases.
Explanation:
- As per the rule, if a person’s negligence causes harm to another person, the negligent party is liable for all damages, even if the victim’s physical condition makes them more susceptible to injury than an average person.
- This doctrine ensures that the negligent party cannot escape liability by arguing that the victim’s pre-existing condition made them more prone to injury.
- For instance:
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- Imagine if someone accidentally hits another person on the head. Even if the injured person’s skull is unusually delicate or fragile (like an eggshell), the person who caused the harm is still held accountable for all the injuries caused.
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Application in Legal Cases:
- This rule is applied in civil litigation to ensure that those who cause harm take responsibility for the full extent of the damage, regardless of the victim’s unique physical condition.
Purpose:
- The rule is applied for claiming an enhanced compensation, for damage that is more than what could have been ordinarily anticipated to be caused by the defendant.
