After experiencing a tragic and life-altering accident, individuals often experience nightmares, flashbacks, fears, anxiety, disturbed sleep, exhaustion, and depression. In certain cases, individuals suffering from any of the aforementioned post-traumatic ailments may be entitled to compensation. In the landmark Supreme Court of Canada case, Mustapha v. Culligan, the Plaintiff claimed psychological damages after he found a fly in his water bottle. Chief Justice McLachlin, writing for the majority of the Court, found that although the Plaintiff was owed a duty of care and the Defendant breached this duty, the nature of the purported psychiatric illness was not reasonably foreseeable "in a person of ordinary fortitude".
Recovering Damages for Psychological Injuries
A Primer on Product Liability
Written by: Fraser Turnbull
