Precisifying “Actionable Damage” in Negligence

The Private Law Postgraduate Research Students Discussion Group will be hosting Tony Zhou, Lecturer in Private Law at Queen Mary University of London, who will present a draft paper entitled “Precisifying the concept of ‘actionable damage’ in the tort of negligence”.

Abstract
Actionable damage is the “gist” of negligence.  However, despite its importance, the concept remains under-theorised.  To date, no one has proposed an account of actionable damage.  This paper aims to fill that lacuna.  I propose the following account of actionable damage: to suffer an actionable damage is to suffer a setback to one’s welfare or an aspect thereof.  I also address some potential concerns about such an account, before concluding with some implications.

The event will take place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, between 12.30-2.00 pm, in the Dolphin Lecture Room at St John's College. Provision is made for both in person and online attendance. A Microsoft Teams link will be shared before the event for those who wish to join virtually. A sandwich lunch and refreshments will be served for members attending the event in person.

Thank you, and please feel free to write to us with any queries about this event or about our Discussion Group in general.

The Group is generously supported by One Essex Court.