Asked by Dhvani Chodavadia on May 06, 2024
Verified
Explain what is meant by punitive damages and when such remedies would be available in a tort action.
Punitive Damages
Financial compensation awarded to the plaintiff in a lawsuit, over and above the actual damages, intended to punish the defendant for egregious conduct.
Tort Action
A lawsuit initiated due to a civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm, leading to legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act.
Remedies
Legal means or actions through which a right is enforced or the violation of a right is compensated or prevented.
- Understand the concepts of punitive damages and the circumstances under which they are awarded in tort actions.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 07, 2024
Final Answer :
Punitive damages are monetary compensation that the defendant must pay to the plaintiff, intended to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate the victim. They are available in rare circumstances, such as when dealing with serious intentional torts like a sadistic battery or False imprisonment.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concepts of punitive damages and the circumstances under which they are awarded in tort actions.