nominal damages

In the context of contract law, nominal damages are awarded by a court when no damage is caused as a result of the breach of contract by the defendant, or when the loss cannot be proved.

An award of nominal damages is likely to be of the order of £100.

Usage: The claimant was awarded nominal damages as it was not able to prove it loss.

Related Words: general damages; special damages; liquidated damages; mitigation of damage; remoteness of damage; assessment of damages; liquidated damages; penalties; breach of contract; quantum meruit; contributory negligence; contract; charging order; financial loss.