Vastutusnõue

Vastutusnõue is an Estonian legal term that translates to "claim for damages" or "liability claim." It refers to a legal demand made by one party against another for compensation due to harm or loss suffered as a result of the latter's actions or omissions. This harm can be material, such as financial losses, or non-material, like damage to reputation or physical injury.

A vastutusnõue typically arises when a breach of contract or a tortious act has occurred. In contract law, a party might make a vastutusnõue if the other party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, leading to financial detriment. In tort law, a vastutusnõue can be brought against an individual or entity that has caused harm through negligence, intent, or strict liability. For instance, a person injured in a car accident caused by another driver's carelessness can file a vastutusnõue for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The process of making a vastutusnõue usually begins with a formal notification to the party believed to be liable, outlining the grounds for the claim and the compensation sought. If the parties cannot reach an out-of-court settlement, the claim may proceed to litigation, where a court will determine the existence and extent of liability and the appropriate remedy. The burden of proof generally lies with the claimant to demonstrate the causal link between the defendant's actions and the resulting damage.