vahingonkorvauksista

Vahingonkorvaus is a Finnish legal term referring to compensation for damages. It is a core concept in tort law, aimed at restoring a party to the position they would have been in had the damage not occurred. This compensation is typically awarded when one party (the defendant) has caused harm to another party (the plaintiff) through their actions or omissions.

The basis for claiming damages usually lies in fault, meaning the defendant acted negligently or intentionally in a way that led to the plaintiff's loss. However, in some specific cases, liability can arise even without fault, such as under strict liability provisions for certain dangerous activities or products.

The types of damages that can be compensated are varied. They commonly include economic losses, such as the cost of repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and the loss of earning capacity. In addition to material damages, Finnish law also allows for compensation for non-economic damages, often referred to as pain and suffering or compensation for personal injury. This aims to acknowledge and compensate for the physical and mental distress caused by the wrongful act.

The process of obtaining compensation typically involves proving both the damage itself and the causal link between the defendant's actions and the damage suffered. This often requires evidence, such as expert reports, witness testimonies, and financial records. Legal proceedings can be initiated in civil courts, and in some instances, criminal proceedings may also lead to a damages award as part of the sentence. The specific rules and principles governing vahingonkorvaus are detailed in Finnish legislation, primarily the Tort Liability Act.