Vasiliou v Hajigeorgiou

Vasiliou v Hajigeorgiou

Where the trial judge finds as a fact that the claimant would have operated a profitable business but for the defendant's breach, damages for loss of profits should not be discounted for loss of chance; the assessment should reflect the profits that would have been earned, not a reduced figure for commercial risks.

Parties
Respondent/claimant: Vasiliou; Appellant/defendant: Hajigeorgiou
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 December 2010
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Assessment of Damages
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Damages Assessment, Loss of Profits, Breach of Covenant, Loss of Chance, Mitigation, Remoteness

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 11 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Vasiliou

Respondent/claimant

Hajigeorgiou

Appellant/defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Assessment of Damages

  1. 1 Whether damages for loss of profits should be discounted for loss of chance
  2. 2 Whether the claimant's competence and intention to run a profitable restaurant should affect quantum
  3. 3 Whether the judge erred in not applying a discount for commercial risks

Ratio Decidendi

Where the trial judge finds as a fact that the claimant would have operated a profitable business but for the defendant's breach, damages for loss of profits should not be discounted for loss of chance; the assessment should reflect the profits that would have been earned, not a reduced figure for commercial risks.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Assessment of damages for loss of profits in the sum of £422,186 upheld
  • No further discount for loss of chance to be applied