Commentary on Judgment No. 51160 of 2023: The Proof of Damages in Compensation

The recent judgment No. 51160 of October 31, 2023, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important insights into the issue of proof of damages in the context of compensation. In particular, the Court clarified that a generic conviction for compensation does not require concrete proof of the existence of compensable damages, but it is sufficient to demonstrate the potential harmful capacity of the act and the causal link with the claimed prejudice.

The Legal Context of the Judgment

The judgment under examination is part of a broader legal debate concerning the compensation for damages that can be requested following harmful events. According to Article 539, paragraph 1, of the New Code of Criminal Procedure, it is essential to clarify that the ascertainment of a potentially harmful fact may be sufficient to obtain compensation. This approach aligns with established case law, as highlighted by decision No. 9266 of 1994.

Proof of the actual existence of damages and the causal link - Necessity - Exclusion - Ascertainment of a potentially harmful fact - Sufficiency. For the purpose of a generic conviction for damages compensation, proof of the concrete existence of compensable damages is not necessary, as it is sufficient to ascertain the potential harmful capacity of the damaging act and the existence of a causal link between it and the claimed prejudice, which may also be inferred presumptively. (Conf.: No. 9266 of 1994, Rv. 199071-01).

Practical Implications of the Judgment

The Court's decision has significant practical implications for lawyers and parties involved in compensation disputes. In particular, it clarifies that:

  • The proof of potential harmful capacity is sufficient for the conviction to compensation.
  • The causal link does not need to be demonstrated rigorously, but can also be inferred presumptively.
  • Previous jurisprudential maxims confirm this interpretation, creating an important precedent for future cases.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 51160 of 2023 represents a step forward in simplifying the proof required for damages compensation. The possibility of demonstrating the potential harmful capacity of the act and the causal link indirectly facilitates access to justice for victims of damages. It is therefore essential for lawyers and legal professionals to take these indications into account in their professional activities, so that victims can obtain the proper compensation for the damages suffered.

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