thin skull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin skull" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the "take your victim as you find him" principle, meaning that a defendant is liable for the full extent of a victim's injury, even if the injury is more severe due to the victim's pre-existing condition. Example: "In the case of the accident, the court ruled that the defendant was responsible for the victim's injuries, applying the thin skull rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Plaintiff has a thin skull and dies.

Harvard University

Goliath obviously had a very thin skull".

The Guardian - Books

The second case, epitomized by the "thin skull" or "eggshell plaintiff" hypothetical, involves limited or absent foreseeability of extent of damages.

Harvard University

Conversely, the person with a thin skull generally recovers for all his injuries even though his knowledge of the condition must be vastly superior to the defendant's.

Harvard University

Alana Sharp and Thomas Rich used it to figure out why the largest marsupial that ever existed, the three-metre long wombat-like Diprotodon, had an unexpectedly thin skull full of sinuses.

The Guardian

Given all this, one can begin to understand how the distinctions between barely foreseeable or unforeseeable category of plaintiff (Palsgraf), extent of damages (the thin skull case), and type of damage (the loaded gun case) may, in a very crude sense, correspond to distinctions made in a search for the cheapest cost avoider.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

A little deeper they uncovered small, thin skulls, some of them blackened by fire.

The Economist

Plaintiffs with thin skulls are foreseeable (whatever courts might say), but their presence (like the chance of harm to bystanders in Palsgraf) is sufficiently rare...

Harvard University

A universal design for use on the very thin skulls of small animals such as rabbits and piglets has been presented [1].

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Since the partial volume effects are often negligible in premature born infants with their thin skulls and scalps, it was not obvious whether a correlation would be observed in the adult brain.

Biomedical Optics Express

Probes and mountings designed for human use may be too long for use in the animal brain or not attach rigidly to the thinner skull.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "thin skull" in legal contexts, be sure to understand the "eggshell skull rule" and its implications for liability. Accurately apply the principle by ensuring that the defendant is held responsible for the full extent of the plaintiff's injuries, even if those injuries are unexpectedly severe due to a pre-existing condition.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "thin skull" rule always results in full compensation. While it holds defendants liable for unforeseeable damages stemming from pre-existing conditions, the defendant is not liable for the pre-existing condition itself, only the exacerbation caused by the injury.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin skull" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, describing a physical characteristic. It is often used attributively, as seen in Ludwig examples like "Plaintiff has a thin skull and dies."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin skull" is a noun phrase describing a physical characteristic, often found in medical, scientific, and legal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and primarily used in legal discussions concerning the eggshell skull rule. The phrase, while not overly common, appears in reputable sources such as Harvard University and The Guardian. When using this phrase, particularly in legal settings, it's essential to understand the implications of the eggshell skull rule and accurately apply the concept of liability for unforeseeable damages stemming from pre-existing vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eggshell skull rule

Specifically a legal term referring to the same concept of liability for unforeseeable damages.

pre-existing condition

Focuses on the vulnerability due to a condition present before an incident.

vulnerable individual

Highlights the increased susceptibility to harm in a person.

fragile constitution

Emphasizes a general physical weakness or delicacy.

susceptible to injury

Indicates a higher likelihood of being harmed.

delicate bone structure

Pinpoints the specific physical characteristic of having weak bones.

compromised health

Refers to an overall state of reduced well-being.

underlying weakness

Suggests a hidden or not immediately apparent vulnerability.

increased sensitivity

Points to a heightened response to external stimuli.

weakened condition

Implies a state of reduced strength or resilience.

FAQs

What is the "thin skull" rule in law?

The "thin skull" rule, also known as the eggshell skull rule, is a legal principle stating that a defendant is liable for all damages caused to a plaintiff, even if the extent of those damages is unexpectedly large due to a pre-existing physical or mental condition. It means you take your victim as you find them.

How does the "thin skull" rule affect liability in personal injury cases?

In personal injury cases, the "thin skull" rule prevents defendants from arguing that they should not be held responsible for the full extent of a plaintiff's injuries simply because the plaintiff was more susceptible to injury due to a pre-existing condition.

What are some synonyms for the "thin skull" rule?

Synonyms for the "thin skull" rule include the "eggshell skull rule" and the phrase "take your victim as you find them".

Is the "thin skull" rule applicable in all jurisdictions?

The "thin skull" rule is a widely recognized legal principle, but its specific application and interpretation can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction. It's important to consult with a legal professional for advice specific to a particular jurisdiction.