Facts
A coal company mistakenly mined coal under the claimant's land.
Issue
What is the aim of damages in ?
Held
Damages awarded.
Principle
Damages aim to put the claimant, so far as money can, in the position he would have been in if the tort had not been committed (restitutio in integrum).
Why it matters
Classic statement of the compensation principle.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co (1880) 5 App Cas 25 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/livingstone-v-rawyards-coal> 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.