What are punitive damages, and when are such damages awarded?
In addition to compensating victims for injuries, lost wages and future considerations, punitive damages can be awarded to penalize a defendant whose conduct is deemed to be particularly outrageous. In cases of negligence, punitive damages are typically awarded only when the defendant’s conduct proved to be “reckless” or “willful and wanton”. Punitive damages are also frequently awarded in product liability suits if the plaintiff can show that the defendant either knew its product was defective or recklessly disregarded the risk of a defect. In cases of product liability, a defendant who has produced many copies of a defective product, such as a faulty tire, may face multiple lawsuits, with the jury in each case awarding punitive damages.
