Legal Definitions - irreparable damage or injury

Definition: Irreparable damage or injury refers to harm that cannot be fixed or compensated for with money. This type of harm can be caused by actions or omissions such as cutting down trees, polluting a stream, not giving a child necessary medication, not supporting an excavation that may cause a building to collapse, or tearing down a structure. When irreparable damage or injury occurs, a judge may order an injunction, writ, temporary restraining order, or other judicial assistance to prevent further harm.

Examples:

• When a company pollutes a river, it can cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it. This type of harm cannot be fixed with money.
• If a contractor fails to properly support an excavation, it can cause the building to collapse, resulting in irreparable damage to the structure and potentially harming people inside.
• If a landlord tears down a tenant's home without proper notice or compensation, it can cause irreparable damage to the tenant's life and livelihood.

These examples illustrate how irreparable damage or injury can occur in various situations and how it cannot be fixed with money alone. In these cases, a judge may need to order equitable relief to prevent further harm and protect those affected.