17.72 DAMAGES: PUNITIVE, also known as exemplary damages, are a type of financial award intended to punish a party who has acted willfully, maliciously, or recklessly. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate a plaintiff for any losses they have suffered, but rather to make an example of the defendant and to discourage similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are generally only awarded in cases of intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence, and are only available in civil cases. Examples of cases in which punitive damages may be awarded include fraud, breach of contract, or intentional torts such as assault or battery.
17.72 DAMAGES: PUNITIVE, also known as exemplary damages, are a type of financial award intended to punish a party who has acted willfully, maliciously, or recklessly. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate a plaintiff for any losses they have suffered, but rather to make an example of the defendant and to discourage similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are generally only awarded in cases of intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence, and are only available in civil cases. Examples of cases in which punitive damages may be awarded include fraud, breach of contract, or intentional torts such as assault or battery.