Is a plaintiff entitled to recover damages from a defendant for damage caused to his back?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Dermody v. Gassler, 2009 BCSC 1072 (CanLII):

However, I am satisfied that his back was symptomatic at the time of the accident, and, in accordance with the crumbling skull principle, he is only entitled to recover damages that reflect the difference between his post-accident condition and his pre-accident condition. The defendant is liable for damage caused which added to the pre-existing damage, but not for the consequences of the pre-existing injury: Athey v. Leonati, 1996 CanLII 183 (SCC), [1996] 3 S.C.R. 458, 140 D.L.R. (4th) 235.

Other Questions


What is the test for a plaintiff to recover damages from a defendant for negligence? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a plaintiff pursue a claim for damages against a defendant who has already recovered his losses? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a strata recover damages from a property owner who causes damage to common property or strata lot? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a plaintiff recover damages for psychological disturbance caused to him by a motor vehicle accident? (British Columbia, Canada)
In a motor vehicle accident, can a plaintiff who suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck, upper and mid back and lower back, continue to experience headaches and back pain? (British Columbia, Canada)
Is a plaintiff entitled to be treated as a thin-skulled plaintiff for the purpose of damage assessment? (British Columbia, Canada)
Is a plaintiff entitled to bring a claim for per se damages on behalf of the class? (British Columbia, Canada)
Is a plaintiff entitled to an award for costs of future care for a plaintiff who was injured in a motor vehicle accident? (British Columbia, Canada)
If a plaintiff has a crumbling skull, does the crumbling skull rule entitle her to additional damages? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for determining whether a plaintiff is entitled to full compensation for non-pecuniary damages? (British Columbia, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.