Defense Counsel Journal
Damages Compendium - Foreign Countries
Volume 93, No. 2
August 09, 2026
EDITOR'S NOTE:
By: Craig Liljestrand, Outgoing Editor
Understanding the law of damages is essential to evaluating potential liability, assessing litigation exposure, and determining the value of claims arising from personal injury, property damage, economic loss, and other forms of harm. While the United States has a well-developed and widely studied system of compensatory, punitive, and other forms of damages, the rules governing damages can differ substantially from one country to another. Differences in statutory law, judicial precedent, procedural rules, standards of proof, available remedies, and limitations on damages can have a significant impact on the ultimate value and resolution of a claim.
This edition of Business Compendium articles examines the law of damages in countries outside the United States, providing a practical overview of the types of damages that may be available and the legal principles governing their recovery. Each article is intended to serve as a useful reference for businesses, insurers, reinsurers, attorneys, claims professionals, and others evaluating international claims or potential litigation exposure. By examining the damages framework applicable in individual countries and comparing those principles, where appropriate, with the U.S. approach, the series is designed to provide a better understanding of how international differences in damages law may affect liability assessments, settlement decisions, litigation strategy, and insurance coverage considerations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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