Plain-English summary
Court allows treble damages under RICO for business/property losses that stem from personal injury
The Court held that civil RICO’s phrase “injured in his business or property” covers economic harms to business or property even when those harms were caused by personal injuries. The judgment from the Second Circuit is affirmed and the case is remanded.
Why this matters
The ruling expands who can bring civil RICO claims for treble damages by clarifying that plaintiffs do not lose access to RICO relief simply because their business or property losses were caused by a personal physical injury. That affects the remedy available in many cases where wrongdoing causes both personal injury and related economic harm.
Who may feel it
- Businesses and property owners who suffer economic harms tied to personal injuries
- Individuals who suffer personal injuries leading to financial losses
- Plaintiffs and defendants in civil RICO litigation
- Attorneys and insurers handling tort and racketeering-related claims
Key questions
- Does the RICO civil provision’s phrase “injured in his business or property” exclude economic harms that are consequences of personal injuries?