Dr. Esther Engelhard

Biography

Esther Engelhard is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University, affiliated with Ucall, the Utrecht Centre for Accountability and Liability Law. Her research primarily focuses on civil liability, particularly in relation to disaster damage, climate damage, data breaches, and personal injury. Engelhard investigates fundamental questions regarding accountability and responsibility in the context of damage, exploring who should bear the costs when harm occurs: the perpetrator, the victim, or both? She also assesses the roles of other parties, including regulators and the state, in cases of alleged negligence. Her research employs various methods, including legislative analyses, case law evaluations, and legal-empirical studies, taking into account the influences of European law. Engelhard's expertise encompasses not only theoretical perspectives but also practical implications of liability law. She has served as a project leader evaluating the Wet tegemoetkoming schade bij rampen (Wts) in collaboration with various institutions, and has authored numerous national and international publications. Additionally, Engelhard holds positions as the chair of the Examination Appeals Board and as an acting judge at the Court of Appeal in 's-Hertogenbosch, is a member of the Advisory Council on Injury and Damage, and contributes to legal journals in the Netherlands.

Research Interests

Experience