Opinion ID: 2308282
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Damages Under the Tortious Interference Claim

Text: With respect to Greensleeves' tortious interference with contract claim, however, we do not agree with Mr. Friedrich's contention that Greensleeves is precluded from seeking the lost rental profits. Although the Bissonnette principle was properly applied in the specific performance aspect of this case, that principle would not bar Greensleeves from recovering the lost rental profits if it should prevail in its tortious interference claim. Our opinion in Bissonnette expressly indicates that compensation awarded incident to a decree for specific performance is  more like an accounting between the parties than an assessment of damages.  Bissonnette, 529 A.2d at 143 (emphasis added); see also Annotation, Specific Performance: Compensation or Damages Awarded Purchaser for Delay in Conveyance of Land, 7 A.L.R.2d 1204, 1206 (1949). [15] By contrast, it is self-evident that the remaining claim in this case (tortious interference with contract) sounds in tort. [16] The contract/specific performance rule articulated in Bissonnette is not pertinent in this context, where traditional principles of tort law hold sway. [17] Although we are holding that Greensleeves remains free to prove liability and to seek damages under its tortious interference theory untroubled by the Bissonnette case and the accounting principle that it articulates, it should not be inferred that we are departing from the general prohibition against double recovery. [18] The factsi before us present a particular set of circumstances under which, once a party has been restored to its rightful position under a contract, it is permitted to seek recovery from a third party that allegedly tortiously interfered with that contract. The accounting principle articulated in Bissonnette was properly applied to the breach of contract (specific performance) phase of this case, but we perceive no reason why it should bar either Green-sleeves' claim that Mr. Friedrich tortiously interfered or its pursuit of damages for that tort. Those issues remain to be litigated free from the Bissonnette cloud.