Skadeståndsrättens

Skadeståndsrättens, the Swedish law of damages, governs the legal consequences of causing harm to another party. It establishes principles for assigning liability and determining the appropriate compensation for various types of damages. The core principle is that a person who, through fault or negligence, causes damage to another person or their property, is liable to compensate for that damage. This fault can arise from intentional acts or carelessness.

The law distinguishes between different categories of damages. Personal injury claims typically cover medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Property damage claims aim to restore the damaged property to its previous condition or compensate for its loss in value. In addition to direct financial losses, Swedish law also allows for compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical and psychological suffering.

Several key elements must generally be proven for a successful claim under Skadeståndsrättens. These include the existence of a wrongful act or omission, a causal link between the act and the damage, and the occurrence of actual damage. The concept of "adequate causation" is important, meaning the damage must be a foreseeable and direct consequence of the wrongful act. Defenses such as contributory negligence by the injured party or the existence of a valid exemption from liability can also be raised. The primary aim of damages is to make the injured party whole again, as far as money can do so, and to deter future wrongful conduct.