A sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury; SYN. amends, indemnity, indemnification, restitution, redress.
In law, compensation for a tort (such as personal injuries caused by negligence) or breach of contract.
In the case of breach of contract the complainant can claim all the financial loss he or she has suffered. Damages for personal injuries include compensation for loss of earnings, as well as for the injury itself. The court might reduce the damages if the claimant was partly to blame. In the majority of cases, the parties involved reach an out-of-court settlement (a compromise without going to court).
1. Obligation.
2. (Droit) Pénalité en cas de non-exécution.