XVIII. Lithuania

Abstract

The publication discusses five most important decisions of Lithuanian courts since 2001, which include three Lithuanian Supreme Court decisions (decision of 26 November 2007 in respect of causation as a prerequisite of delictual liability, the decision of 3 March 2014 in respect of solidary liability of multiple tortfeasors, the decision of 18 April 2005 on compensation of non-pecuniary damages to secondary victims), a ruling of the Constitutional Court of 19 August 2006 on Compensation of damage, inflicted by unlawful conduct of interrogatory and investigative institutions, prosecutors and courts of 19 August 2006, as well as a decision of the Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania of 20 October 2021 on state liability for erroneous implementation of Motor Liability Directive. The cases discussed illustrate how Lithuanian courts have developed a normative concept of causation, expanded the right to claim non-pecuniary damages and strengthened State responsibility, including for breaches of EU law. Together, these cases show how personal injury law in Lithuania has been transformed into an important tool for protecting individuals and ensuring fair compensation.