Legal terms explained: Betterment

In instances where something new is sought to replace something old, which has suffered damage, betterment is often claimed. Betterment, being the increase in value of a property or object as a result of an action, should, it is argued, be deducted from the overall claim. This takes account of the fact that the claimant has essentially received something new for old. The evidential burden of establishing betterment is on the defendant.

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