Prejudiciu

Prejudiciu is a legal term used in Romanian law to denote harm, loss, or injury suffered by a person or entity as a result of another's actions, such as a breach of contract, negligence, or an unlawful act. It is a central concept in civil liability and the remedy sought is compensation for the damage incurred.

There are two main categories of prejudiciu: material prejudiciu and moral prejudiciu. Material prejudiciu covers financial losses and tangible costs, including medical expenses, repair or replacement of damaged property, lost income, and other measurable economic harm. Moral prejudiciu refers to non-financial harm, such as pain and suffering, loss of reputation, or emotional distress. In many cases both types can be present, and they may be assessed separately or together in litigation.

Proof and assessment of prejudiciu hinge on a causal link between the defendant’s act and the harm, as well as the extent of the damage. The burden of proof rests on the victim, who provides evidence of the loss and its amount. The determination of damages is typically made by the court or, when appropriate, by experts who assess medical, financial, or reputational harm.

Remedies for prejudiciu include civil liability and the obligation to compensate the victim. Compensation aims to restore the victim to the position they would have occupied had the wrongdoing not occurred, and may be awarded for material and, where recognized, moral prejudiciu. The concept is widely applied in contracts, torts, professional negligence, defamation, and various regulatory contexts, and it is a key element in insurance and compensation schemes.