Eggshell Plaintiff Rule

Pronunciation: EG-shel PLAYN-tif ROOL

Torts › Causation

Definition

Defendant takes plaintiff as found and is liable for full extent of injuries even if severity unforeseeable due to plaintiff's preexisting condition or unusual vulnerability. Defendant liable for unforeseeable severity even though only liable for foreseeable types of harm. Also called thin skull rule.

Related terms

• Proximate Cause — A limitation on liability requiring that the harm suffered must be within the scope of risk created by…
• Damages — The fourth and final element of negligence, requiring proof that the plaintiff suffered actual harm or loss. Damages…
• Foreseeability — Central concept in both duty and proximate cause analysis, limiting liability to foreseeable consequences and foreseeable plaintiffs. Under…

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