Where a breach of contract causes only prospective loss (not actual loss at the date of breach), the innocent party's deliberate, informed and unreasonable decision not to take simple steps to avoid the loss crystallising may constitute a novus actus interveniens breaking the chain of causation, relieving the party in breach of liability for more than nominal damages. The innocent party's conduct is assessed having regard to their knowledge of the facts giving rise to the breach, the nature and risk profile of the relevant investments, and the ease with which the loss could have been avoided. A plaintiff is entitled to pursue their own course of action but not at the expense of the defendant if that course is unreasonable in the circumstances.
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