Suing for Punitive Damages in Scottsdale

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Litigation Lawyers in Scottsdale

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the civil litigation system is mainly concerned with compensating the victims of wrongdoing, rather than punishing the wrongdoers, or casting moral blame upon them.

Nonetheless, this general principle has a major exception. In rare cases, a Scottsdale, Arizona judge or jury can award damages to the plaintiff that are not calculated by the actual losses sustained. Instead, they serve the purpose of punishing the defendant, and deterring others from wrongdoing. These are called "punitive damages."

You should be cognizant that courts in Scottsdale, Arizona are not especially fond of authorizing punitive damages, because they view it as a financial windfall that generally runs counter to civil litigation's primary purpose of compensating victims of wrongdoing for the harm they've suffered. However, if the conduct of the defendant was completely reprehensible and the harm caused was deliberate, a court might impose damages to punish the defendant, known as "punitive damages."

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona

Personal injury litigation doesn't normally carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona, because generally personal injury cases stem from harm that was caused accidentally, not deliberately. Accidental harm is not enough to warrant an award of punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona are only awarded in the most extreme cases. Fraud, theft, assault, battery, and other intentional, immoral acts are grounds for punitive damages. Scottsdale, Arizona courts will consider many factors in considering whether or not to award punitive damages. For instance, the court might employ a sliding scale that weighs the immorality of the defendant's actions against the actual harm that it caused to the plaintiff, and calculate damages accordingly.

It's essential to know that punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona are subject to limits. The Supreme Court of the United States has held, more than once, that punitive damages can't be grossly disproportionate to the actual harm sustained by the plaintiff. Grossly excessive punitive damage awards are unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has held, because they amount to the government acquiring property from the defendant without due process of law.

Punitive damages in Scottsdale, Arizona normally cannot surpass 10 times the amount of actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. Nonetheless, this is just a guideline, and not a strict rule. Courts in Arizona have found larger punitive damage awards to be perfectly valid, and smaller ones to be invalid. This will be strongly dependent on the facts of each case.

How Can a Scottsdale, Arizona Attorney Help?

Scottsdale, Arizona's courts have wide discretion in awarding punitive damages. Therefore, it is impractical to comprehensively discuss all the situations in which punitive damages can arise.

If you are immersed in a case in Scottsdale, Arizona that you believe might entitle you to punitive damages, a lot of money could be at stake. Therefore, if you want to pursue your legal remedies, you should see a Scottsdale, Arizona civil litigation attorney as soon as possible.

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Life in Scottsdale

Located in Maricopa County, Scottsdale is truly one of the desert state's gems. With a population of 245,000 the sizeable city is a vacation destination for many people across the country. Not surprisingly, Scottsdale has more spas than any other city in the country, a number that sees spa-seekers visiting the city year round for some much needed rest and relaxation.

Scottsdale is often described as the "South Beach in the desert" because of the busy nightlife scene and many luxury hotels that the Arizona city has to offer. And what nightlife is complete without many of the nation's top cities to serve the clientele before their night on the town. Scottsdale sits in the middle of two other popular Arizona cities -- Phoenix and Paradise Valley.

Scottsdale is also famous for the many golf courses the city has to offer beginners and professionals. In fact, the Robb Report dubbed Scottsdale "The Best City to Live in for Golf." In addition to golf, Scottsdale is home to many professional and minor league sports teams. The Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) all call Scottsdale home.

Scottsdale also has some college charm as it is home to Arizona State University. The Sun Devils have a great law school that produces many of Scottsdale's top lawyers. WIth a city of this size, Scottsdale lawyers are skilled in a range of practice areas to serve their clientele ranging from professional athletes, to a citizen with an everyday legal question.

Scottsdale is a wonderful city to work, play, and relax in and the desert climate makes it a great place to be any month of the year!

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