How do juries decide punitive damages?
Asked by: Prof. Janick Robel I | Last update: September 17, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)
Similar to non-economic damages there are no strict rules governing the calculation of punitive damages. It is generally at the jury's discretion and based on the facts of the case and the perceived or actual level of malice or negligence on behalf the wrongdoer.
What determines the amount of punitive damages?
Courts will typically look at factors such as the wealth or valuation of the defendant, the egregiousness of the harm suffered by the plaintiff, and the amount of compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff when determining a punitive damages award.
Can a jury decide punitive damages?
Under existing law, a defendant against whom punitive damages already have been awarded is free to place such evidence before a jury, and a jury can decide whether further punitive damages are warranted.
What evidence is needed for punitive damages?
Reckless Conduct
Evidence illustrating the defendant's reckless actions that can support a claim for punitive damages might include witness testimony, video recordings, photographs, or expert opinions that demonstrate the defendant's flagrant disregard for the safety of others.
In which of the following cases would a jury be most likely to award punitive damages?
In our experience, punitive damages are most common in cases where the victim suffered: Assault, battery, or sexual assault. Injury from a DUI-related car crash. Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Jury Instructions: Compensatory, Nominal and Punitive Damages
What does the court consider for punitive awards?
Before awarding punitive damages, the court must take several factors into account. The following points are of particular importance: Assessing if the defendant's actions were malicious, intentional, or grossly negligent. Looking at similar cases to determine if punitive damages were awarded.
Why are punitive damages rarely awarded?
Punitive damages are rare, both in Florida and in other US states, because of the stringent criteria required to justify their imposition.
Under what circumstances will a defendant be liable for punitive damages?
In the case of tort liability , courts may choose to apply punitive damages. However, they will typically only do so if the plaintiff can prove that the defendant engaged in an intentional tort and/or engaged in wanton and willful misconduct .
Is emotional distress punitive damage?
If the emotional distress was caused by reckless or intentional actions, such as harassment or extreme negligence, courts may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
How to calculate compensatory damages?
Every case is unique, and the amount of damages you may be eligible for will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. Compensatory damages are calculated by summing up all actual and estimated expenses related to the harm suffered.
Are punitive damages set to compensate the defendant?
Punitive damages are not designed to compensate the plaintiff, but to deter others from engaging in similar wrongful behavior. While the plaintiff will receive the monetary award, the primary purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant.
What is a nominal damage?
A trivial sum of money awarded to a plaintiff whose legal right has been technically violated but who has not established that they are entitled to compensatory damages because there was no accompanying loss or harm.
What is a criticism of high awards for punitive damages?
The criticism of high awards for punitive damages is that they drive up the cost of doing business for high-risk industries. Option C is the correct answer. Awarding high punitive damages is criticized for driving up the cost of doing business for high-risk industries.
How to argue punitive damages?
This evidence must be clear and convincing in order to support punitive damages as leverage and send a strong message against similar actions in the future. Moreover, punitive damages also require a showing of financial injury incurred as a result of the willful act, so all parties must prove this type of harm.
What is the largest punitive damage ever awarded?
The court also observed that the $145 billion punitive damages award was a record- breaking amount that was too great to be permitted: This trial produced the largest punitive damage verdict in American legal history.
Will insurance cover punitive damages?
While most states allow an insured to shift punitive damage awards to the insurer, a few prohibit this outright. Some states cap punitive damage awards and are generally considered more defendant-friendly, while others are deemed more plaintiff-friendly.
What is evidence for punitive damages?
Punitive damages and their purpose
Civil Code section 3294 provides that a plaintiff can obtain punitive damages when it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud or malice.
How to prove emotional damages?
Gathering compelling evidence is fundamental to constructing a robust case for emotional distress. The documentation should encompass a comprehensive range of materials, including medical records, therapy or counseling records, eyewitness testimonies, and expert witness testimony.
Is pain and suffering considered punitive damages?
Are punitive damages the same as pain and suffering? This is not a trick legal question, and yes, these two are completely different. You may have thought that they were the same and could be used interchangeably, but they are not.
How do juries calculate punitive damages?
There is no formula to calculate punitive damages. A judge or jury will award an amount that it determines is sufficient to punish the defendant and deter the defendant and others from similar conduct. This will be based on the following factors: How much the defendant profited from the misconduct.
How are punitive damages assessed?
While there is no fixed standard dictating how punitive damage awards are calculated, there are many common factors taken into consideration: If the defendant caused physical harm. If the defendant disregarded the safety of others. If the defendant was deceitful.
What is the maximum punitive damages?
A punitive damages award should have a single-digit ratio to the compensatory damages award. In other words, a ratio of 9:1 is the maximum acceptable. In addition, the court may not consider the defendant's assets to justify an excessive award.
What states do not allow punitive damages?
Therefore, punitive damages awards will be overturned by courts in most states if a jury has not also awarded compensatory damages. Punitive damages are not available in every state. Michigan, Nebraska, Washington, and Puerto Rico do not allow for punitive damage awards.
What is the punitive intent?
By saying that punishment is intended to harm the punishee, advocates of the intentions claim mean that punishment is motivated in a certain way. Specifically, they mean that some of the harm inflicted on the punishee is a motivating reason for at least some of those involved in punishing him.
Who benefits from punitive damages?
Although the purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the plaintiff, the plaintiff will receive all or some of the punitive damages in award. Punitive damages are often awarded if compensatory damages are deemed to be an inadequate remedy by themselves.