VAN ZEGGEREN v BORG [1996] NSWCA 544

VAN ZEGGEREN v BORG [1996] NSWCA 544

The appellant, having affirmed the contract with knowledge of the fraudulent representation, was bound by it and not entitled to set aside the agreement or recover the amounts paid, absent proof of actual loss. No damages for deceit are payable without proven loss, and nominal damages are inappropriate in such cases. The trial judge's award of the purchase price balance plus interest to the respondent was upheld.

Parties
Appellant/defendant: URJ Van Zeggeren; Respondent/plaintiff: Borg
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
09 July 1996
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal dismissed with costs
Legal Topics
Deceit, Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Damages, Interest, Affirmation of Contract

Case Brief

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Parties

URJ Van Zeggeren

Appellant/defendant

Borg

Respondent/plaintiff

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

  1. 1 Whether proof of loss is necessary to sustain a claim in deceit
  2. 2 Whether nominal damages can be awarded in absence of proven loss in deceit
  3. 3 Whether affirming a contract with knowledge of fraud precludes recovery for deceit

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant, having affirmed the contract with knowledge of the fraudulent representation, was bound by it and not entitled to set aside the agreement or recover the amounts paid, absent proof of actual loss. No damages for deceit are payable without proven loss, and nominal damages are inappropriate in such cases. The trial judge's award of the purchase price balance plus interest to the respondent was upheld.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed with costs

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs