3.13 Punitive Damages are a form of damages awarded to a plaintiff in a civil case as a form of punishment for an especially egregious act or actions committed by the defendant. Punitive damages aim to punish the defendant for their wrongful behavior and to deter similar behavior in the future. There are two types of punitive damages: compensatory damages and exemplary damages. Compensatory damages are designed to compensate the plaintiff for any economic losses or other damages incurred as a result of the defendant’s wrongful act or negligence. Exemplary damages are designed to punish the defendant for their wrongful behavior. The amount of punitive damages awarded is determined by the court, and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars depending on the severity of the offense.