What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are a type of financial award in civil lawsuits designed to punish a defendant for egregious behavior and deter similar actions in the future. The primary goal is to send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated, discouraging others from engaging in similar behavior. Unlike compensatory damages—which aim to reimburse the plaintiff for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress—punitive damages focus on the defendant’s conduct. Keep reading for more details about this type of compensation that may factor into whatever legal situation you may be dealing with.
The Purpose Of Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve as a way to hold defendants accountable for particularly harmful actions. These damages are typically awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior is considered intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent.
While punitive damages are not awarded in every case, they are more common in cases involving fraud, intentional misconduct, or severe negligence. For example, a personal injury attorney might seek punitive damages in a case where a company knowingly sold a defective product that caused harm to consumers.
How Punitive Damages Are Calculated
Punitive damages are determined separately from compensatory damages and are often influenced by the severity of the defendant’s actions and the harm caused. Courts consider factors such as:
- The degree of harm suffered by the plaintiff.
- The defendant’s intent or level of negligence.
- The financial resources of the defendant.
There is no universal formula for calculating punitive damages, but courts aim to strike a balance between punishing the defendant and avoiding excessive penalties. Some states have caps on punitive damages, limiting the amount that can be awarded.
Punitive Damages In Criminal And Civil Cases
It’s important to distinguish punitive damages from criminal penalties. Punitive damages are awarded in civil lawsuits, not criminal cases. While a criminal defense lawyer focuses on defending individuals or entities accused of crimes, punitive damages are pursued by plaintiffs in civil court to address misconduct that caused harm.
For example, in a drunk driving accident, the at-fault driver may face criminal charges such as DUI. Separately, the injured party could file a civil lawsuit seeking compensatory damages for medical bills and punitive damages to address the driver’s reckless behavior.
Examples Of Cases Involving Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can arise in a variety of cases, including:
- Fraud or intentional deception.
- Grossly negligent medical care.
- Reckless behavior leading to injury or death.
- Corporate misconduct, such as hiding safety risks from consumers.
In each of these scenarios, punitive damages are awarded to emphasize the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and prevent similar behavior in the future.
Why Punitive Damages Matter
Punitive damages play an important role in the legal system by addressing misconduct that goes beyond ordinary negligence. They provide an additional layer of accountability and help plaintiffs feel that justice has been served.
Knowing the purpose and potential impacts of punitive damages helps individuals make informed decisions when pursuing legal action. Our criminal defense attorney colleagues at Stechschulte Nell can attest to the significance of these damages in holding defendants accountable for their actions.
By understanding your rights and the options available to you, you can pursue justice and work toward a resolution that reflects the harm you’ve experienced.