Damages

Damages are the principal monetary remedy in civil liability and contract law. In Swiss law they usually compensate proven economic loss, including actual loss and lost profit, where liability requirements such as breach or unlawfulness, causation and fault or another liability basis are met. The injured party must substantiate the loss as far as possible and take reasonable steps to limit it. Compensation is generally restorative, not punitive; punitive damages known in some jurisdictions are not a normal Swiss remedy and may raise enforcement concerns. Separate from damages, Swiss law may allow satisfaction for serious immaterial harm. The amount may be affected by contributory fault, benefits received, contractual limitations, statutory caps or judicial assessment where exact proof is difficult.