Facts
A pregnant barmaid suffered shock and premature birth when the defendant's van was driven into the pub where she was working.
Issue
Can damages be recovered for caused by fear for one's own safety?
Held
Yes. She could recover because she feared immediate injury to herself.
Principle
Nervous shock is recoverable where it arises from a reasonable fear of immediate personal injury; Kennedy J also stated the rule.
Why it matters
The first successful nervous shock case and an early statement of the eggshell skull rule.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Dulieu v White & Sons [1901] 2 KB 669 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/dulieu-v-white> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.