Property Damage Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Property Damage, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Property Damage?

Any form of injury or damage caused to the property, either personal or real, due to negligence or intentionally by the person who is not the owner or that can happen naturally.The wilful damage to any form of property is usually malicious.The intentional damages done to the real property differs from that to the personal property. The real property loss is assessible and have exact value of loss while the personal property has only the sentimental value.

History and Meaning of Property Damage

Property damage is a legal term used to describe any harm or injury caused to real or personal property. It can be caused intentionally or due to negligence by a person who is not the owner, or it can occur naturally. Property damage has been a legal concept for centuries, and its definition has evolved over time to encompass all forms of harm to property.

Examples of Property Damage

  1. A driver crashes their car into a fence, damaging the fence and the car. This is an example of property damage caused by negligence.
  2. A vandal spray-paints graffiti on the side of a building, causing damage to the building's property. This is an example of property damage caused intentionally.
  3. A storm damages a home's roof, causing water damage to the property inside. This is an example of property damage caused naturally.

Legal Terms Similar to Property Damage

  1. Personal Injury: Personal injury refers to harm or injury to a person, as opposed to property.
  2. Trespassing: Trespassing is the act of entering or staying on someone else's property without permission, which can lead to property damage.
  3. Negligence: Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm, which can result in property damage.