Mitigation: Discussions in Contracts

This podcast by Professor Scott J. Burnham explores the basic concept of mitigation, or, as it is sometimes called, avoidable consequences, which is used in computing damages. Mitigation is a principle that can limit a plaintiff’s recovery in a claim for breach of contract. The principle is stated in Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 350(1). The […]

This podcast by Professor Scott J. Burnham explores the basic concept of mitigation, or, as it is sometimes called, avoidable consequences, which is used in computing damages. Mitigation is a principle that can limit a plaintiff’s recovery in a claim for breach of contract. The principle is stated in Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 350(1). The podcast also discusses Rockingham County v. Luten Bridge Co. and the twist on the common law rule of mitigation found in U.C.C. § 2-704.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the podcast, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the limitation that mitigation puts on the non-breaching party’s recovery.

2. State examples of mitigation from both the common law and the sale of goods under the U.C.C.

A transcript of this podcast is here.