What does the "Eggshell Skull" rule state in tort law?

The "Eggshell Skull" rule is a key principle in tort law that holds defendants fully liable for the actual injuries caused to a plaintiff, regardless of the severity of those injuries or whether they were predictable. This means that a defendant cannot escape liability simply because the harm that resulted was greater than what could have reasonably been anticipated.

In essence, the rule recognizes that individuals are not responsible for the foreseeability of a plaintiff's particular vulnerabilities. If a defendant's actions cause harm to a person with pre-existing conditions or vulnerabilities—like an "eggshell" skull—they must compensate for all resulting injuries, even if they are much more extreme than what the defendant could have anticipated. This principle underscores the importance of taking the plaintiff as they are, which aligns with the notion of ensuring justice for those who are harmed due to another's negligent actions.

Other options do not accurately represent the core tenet of the "Eggshell Skull" rule. For instance, limiting liability to predictable injuries contradicts the essence of the rule itself, which emphasizes full liability regardless of predictability.