How are punitive damages calculated?
Punitive damages, otherwise known as punishment damages, are awarded when the defendant knew that his/her/its conduct would have a high chance of causing injury(ies), and that the specific conduct reveals a disregard for life and/or safety. Punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages (financial losses) or at $500,000.00. A typical example of when punitive damages may apply is when the defendant is intoxicated such as driving under the influence (“DUI”).
Punitive damages, otherwise known as punishment damages, are awarded when the defendant knew that his/her/its conduct would have a high chance of causing injury(ies), and that the specific conduct reveals a disregard for life and/or safety. Punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages (financial losses) or at $500,000.00. A typical example of when punitive damages may apply is when the defendant is intoxicated such as driving under the influence (“DUI”).
