Austin v. Dunne, 2024 NLCA 28. The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal upheld the refusal of mental distress and punitive damages arising from a failed agreement to renovate and resell a house for profit. The arrangement had an economic objective and did not contemplate psychological protection as a contractual benefit. The parties’ poor treatment of each other did not establish the requirements for compensatory mental distress or punitive damages. See paragraphs 44–53 of the original judgment.
Case card
Austin v. Dunne, 2024 NLCA 28
The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal refused mental distress and punitive damages after a failed agreement to buy, renovate and resell property for profit. The agreement contemplated commercial gain, not psychological security, and the parties’ conduct did not support punitive relief.
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