Eggshell Skull Rule

Supreme Court has rejected the application of the ‘eggshell skull’ rule in a case.

About Eggshell Skull Rule:

• The Eggshell Skull Rule is a legal principle used in civil litigation.
• It states that a defendant is fully responsible for the consequences of their actions, even if the victim had unknown pre-existing vulnerabilities.
• In cases involving this rule, liability is linked directly to the defendant’s actions.
• The defendant’s intention or awareness of the victim’s condition does not affect liability.

Historical Background:

• The principle originated from the case of Vosburg v. Putney in 1891, which took place in Wisconsin, USA.
• The case involved two boys in a school setting. One boy kicked the other in the shin, which seemed harmless at first.
  • However, the kick resulted in severe injuries due to a pre-existing condition that was not initially apparent.
• The court ruled that the boy who kicked was liable for all resulting injuries. This decision highlighted the unlawfulness of his action, considering both the timing and the setting of the incident.

Legal Principle

• Under the Eggshell Skull Rule, an offender is held accountable for aggravating a victim’s pre-existing condition through their actions.
• This rule ensures that victims are compensated based on the actual extent of their suffering. This is true even if the offender was unaware of the victim’s pre-existing condition.

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