kahjud

Kahjud is the Estonian term for damages or harm. It is the plural form of kahju and is used to describe losses suffered by a person, property, or the environment. In everyday language, kahjud can refer to a dented car, a damaged appliance, or financial losses from a business disruption, while in legal and insurance contexts it denotes the losses for which a party may seek compensation. The concept encompasses material damages—such as repair costs, replacement of property, and economic losses—as well as non-material damages, including pain and suffering or loss of amenity, depending on the applicable law.

Causes of kahjud include accidents, natural events, negligence, or deliberate acts. The party responsible for the damage or their insurer may be obligated to compensate the victim, typically after an assessment of the extent and causation of the damage. Claims involve gathering evidence such as invoices, repair estimates, photographs, and witness statements. Assessments may be conducted by adjusters, engineers, or courts, and the final compensation aims to restore the victim to the position they were in prior to the damage, within legal limits.

The handling of kahjud is influenced by statutory periods of limitation, caps on certain types of damages, and deductible arrangements, which shape the outcome of claims. In many cases, kahjud is addressed through civil lawsuits, insurance claims, or administrative processes, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of damage. The term is a standard element of Estonian civil and insurance vocabulary and appears in legal texts, media, and everyday discourse.