Every person who suffers detriment from the unlawful act or omission of another may recover from the person in fault a compensation therefor in money, which is called damages. Detriment is a loss or harm suffered in person or property.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 21-1-1

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Property: includes property, real and personal. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: CivC 1877, §§ 1940, 1941; CL 1887, §§ 4574, 4575; RCivC 1903, §§ 2286, 2287; RC 1919, §§ 1959, 1960; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.1701.