Mitigation of Damages
A legal duty requiring a party to take reasonable steps to reduce losses after harm or breach.
What is Mitigation of Damages?
Mitigation of Damages is a legal principle requiring a plaintiff to take reasonable steps to reduce or minimize losses after a breach, injury, or wrongful act, preventing unnecessary or excessive claims against the defendant.
Why It Matters?
It ensures fairness in compensation, prevents inflated damages, and holds parties accountable for their actions following harm.
Example
A tenant who is wrongfully evicted must seek alternative housing promptly to mitigate damages rather than claiming excessive rent loss for the entire original lease term.
Related Terms
Mediation
Litigation