The eggshell skull rule is a legal principle that holds a defendant responsible for all consequences of their actions, even if the victim's injuries are unexpectedly severe due to a pre-existing condition. This means a defendant can be liable for the full extent of damages, regardless of whether the victim's particular vulnerability was foreseeable.
Understanding the Eggshell Skull Rule
The eggshell skull rule, also known as the thin skull rule, is a common law doctrine that makes a defendant liable for the plaintiff's unforeseeable and uncommon reactions to the defendant's negligent or intentional tort. In essence, it means that you "take your victim as you find them." If someone has a pre-existing condition that makes them more susceptible to injury, the person causing the injury is still liable for the full extent of the harm.
Key Aspects of the Eggshell Skull Rule:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Principle | "Take your victim as you find them". |
| Defendant Liability | Liable for the full extent of harm even if the victim is unusually susceptible to injury. |
| Foreseeability | Lack of foreseeability of the victim's unique vulnerability does not diminish the defendant's liability. |
| Application | Applies to both intentional and negligent acts, covering various torts. |
Practical Implications
Examples:
- Fragile Bones: If a person with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) suffers a broken bone due to a minor car accident, the at-fault driver is liable for the full extent of those injuries, even if a person with normal bone density would have sustained little to no injury from the same accident.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If a person with a heart condition experiences a heart attack after being negligently bumped by someone, the person who bumped them can be held liable for damages caused by the heart attack.
- Mental Health: A person with a pre-existing vulnerability to mental trauma who experiences a breakdown because of a relatively minor incident might have grounds for a claim, holding the perpetrator liable for damages related to the mental health crisis.
Practical Insight
- Impact on Insurance: The eggshell skull rule affects insurance claims, as insurers must consider these unexpected damages when evaluating a settlement or payout.
- Defendant’s Responsibility: The burden falls on the defendant to prove their actions were not the cause of the damages.
- Plaintiff Protection: Protects individuals who are more vulnerable from under compensation for injuries they may have suffered.
Why the Rule Exists:
The eggshell skull rule exists to ensure that victims are fully compensated for the damages they suffer due to another person's actions, even if those damages are more extensive than what might be expected for an average person. This rule prevents wrongdoers from escaping liability simply because their victim was particularly vulnerable.
