szkody

Szkody is the Polish term for harm, damage, or loss. It is used to describe various forms of harm, including material damage to property, injuries to persons, and non-material harm such as impaired health or dignity. In everyday language as well as in legal and insurance contexts, szkody denote the negative consequences suffered by a person or entity.

In Polish civil law, szkody arise when a fault or breach of obligation causes harm to another party, creating an obligation for the responsible person to provide compensation. The concept is commonly divided into szkoda majątkowa (economic or property damage) and szkoda niemajątkowa (non-pecuniary damage, such as pain, suffering, or impairment of health). For non-pecuniary damage, compensation is often referred to as zadośćuczynienie, while economic damages are typically addressed as odszkodowanie.

In insurance and everyday practice, the term also appears in more specific forms. Szkoda całkowita refers to a total loss, such as when repair costs exceed the value of the damaged item, while szkoda częściowa denotes a partial loss. Assessments are usually carried out by experts, and settlements may be reached through negotiation, insurance procedures, or, if necessary, court rulings.

Common contexts for szkody include road traffic accidents, workplace incidents, and property damage caused by natural events or third-party actions. The overarching framework for handling szkody emphasizes the responsibility to repair or compensate the harmed party and to determine the appropriate amount of restitution based on the type and extent of the damage.