Legal Definitions - eggshell skull rule

The eggshell skull rule, also known as the thin skull rule, is a legal principle that holds a defendant responsible for the unforeseeable and uncommon reactions of the plaintiff to the defendant's negligent or intentional tort. This means that if the defendant commits a tort against the plaintiff without a complete defense, they become liable for any injury that is magnified by the plaintiff's peculiar characteristics.

For example, if a person has a very thin skull due to a health condition and gets into an accident, the other person who caused the accident will be liable for the actual damages, even though the average person would not suffer the same serious injuries in the same accident as the person with the thin skull. However, it's important to note that the eggshell skull doctrine does not entitle the plaintiff to compensation for an unrelated pre-existing injury.

The eggshell skull rule is designed to protect individuals who are more vulnerable to injury due to their unique physical or mental conditions. It ensures that defendants are held accountable for the full extent of the harm they cause, regardless of the plaintiff's pre-existing conditions.