Section 4 Rule in Coonis v. Rogers and Beyond

• Library: Damages 2012

The most frequently cited rule governing lost profits is the Supreme Court of Missouri’s holding in Coonis v. Rogers, 429 S.W.2d 709 (Mo. 1968). (Most of the loss of profit decisions in Missouri can be found by using Shepherd’s or Citing References to check cites for Coonis.)

In Coonis, 429 S.W.2d 709, the plaintiff attempted to recover the profits lost when the defendant intentionally interfered with the plaintiff’s contracts with its customers. In denying recovery of lost profits, the Supreme Court stated:

In evaluating the sufficiency of evidence to sustain awards of damages for loss of business profits the appellate courts of this state have made stringent requirements, refusing to permit speculation as to probable or expected profits, and...