dëmet

Dëmet, meaning damages in Albanian, is a legal concept in Albanian civil law referring to compensation for harm caused by an unlawful act, fault, or breach of obligation. The term covers both material damages (dëmet materiale) such as property loss, medical costs, and loss of income, and non-material or moral damages (dëmet morale) such as pain and suffering, loss of reputation, or impairment of quality of life. In practice, the distinction guides whether compensation is intended to restore the financial position or to address non-economic harm.

The governing framework is the Civil Code and related statutes. The general principle is that a person who causes damage through fault or other liable acts must compensate the injured party, placing them, as far as possible, in the position they would have occupied had the harm not occurred. Liability may arise from fault (negligence or intentional misconduct) or, in some contexts, other forms of liability. Causation and foreseeability are required, and the injured party must prove the act, fault, and resulting damages.

Damages are assessed on evidence, including actual losses, medical expenses, lost earnings, repair or replacement costs, and, where appropriate, moral damages or loss of enjoyment. The assessment may involve expert testimony, especially for technical or medical issues. Plaintiffs have a duty to mitigate losses.

Claims for dëmet are pursued in civil proceedings before ordinary courts, following applicable procedural rules. Prescription periods for damages claims vary by type of claim and are governed by the Civil Code, with interruptive or extending circumstances recognized in law.