Why would a defendant have to pay punitive damages?
If a defendant acts particularly hostile or callous about an injury that he or she caused the plaintiff, often the judge or the jury can assign more compensation. It is very rare that this type of award is given, because its boundaries are so vague, but it is a tool that can be used to deter defendants from negligence and carelessness.
Related Questions
- If the defendants insurance company is ultimately going to have to pay for my damages why are we making a claim directly against the defendant?
- What do I need to establish to prove punitive damages in a case in which the defendant was driving under the influence?
- Why would a defendant have to pay punitive damages?
