Suing for Punitive Damages in Dana Point

Find the right Litigation attorney in Dana Point, CA

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Litigation Lawyers in Dana Point

In Dana Point, California, the civil litigation system is primarily concerned with compensating the victims of wrongdoing, rather than punishing the wrongdoers, or casting moral blame upon them.

There is a major exception to this rule, however. In limited circumstances, courts in Dana Point, California will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff damages which are not directly tied to any harm suffered by the plaintiff. Rather, these damages, which are known as "punitive damages", are meant to punish the wrongdoer, and serve as a deterrent.

In Dana Point, California, punitive damages are not awarded in many cases. This is because the civil litigation system strongly disfavors giving money to plaintiffs in amounts disproportionate to the injuries they have suffered. However, in some cases, the conduct of the defendant is so reprehensible, that simply punishing the defendant is a worthy goal, and this interest outweighs the preference against giving civil plaintiffs financial windfalls.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Dana Point, California

Personal injury litigation doesn't usually carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Dana Point, California, because mostly 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 Dana Point, California.

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

However, in Dana Point, California, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled several times that punitive damages cannot be grossly disproportionate to the evil nature of the conduct, and the injuries that the defendant suffered. If they are disproportionate, punitive damages might be considered a deprivation of the defendant's right to due process of law.

A good rule of thumb for calculating the upper limit of punitive damages in Dana Point, California is that punitive damages can be no larger than compensatory damages times ten. This rule is not absolute, of course. Courts in California have a good deal of discretion in awarding punitive damages, and will determine them based on the facts of each case. Because of this, punitive damage awards larger than 10 times compensatory damages are sometimes upheld, while much smaller awards have been overturned, because they were deemed excessive in a particular case.

How Can a Dana Point, California Attorney Help?

In Dana Point, California, judges and juries have a good deal of leeway in deciding if they want to grant punitive damages, so there are a nearly-unlimited number of circumstances that can lead to a punitive damage award.

If you are involved in a case in Dana Point, California where punitive damages are a possibility, a very large amount of money could be at stake, whether you are the plaintiff or defendant. You should not hesitate to speak with a civil litigation attorney in Dana Point, California

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Dana Point

Dana Point, California is situated in the southern area of Orange County, near the western coast. It is known for its mild climate and warm temperatures, typical of a California coastal city. Dana Point has a population of over 33,000 and is a favored location for surfing. It was named after the Dana Point headlands.

Dana Point's city motto is, "Harboring the Good Life", which speaks of both its harbor culture and its laid-back atmosphere. Popular places to visit include Dana Point Harbor, Salt Creek Beach Park, and Doheny State Beach Park. These locations provide excellent locations for outdoor activities such as surfing, picnics, and beach sports. In its early history, Dana Point, California has been described as "the only romantic spot on the coast".

It goes without saying that many of the events and attractions in Dana Point, California revolve around its beautiful beaches. These include the "Festival of Whales" and the "Tall Ships Festival". The annual Dana Point Grand Prix is a bike race winding through downtown and continuing on to some spectacular, breathtaking views. Many of the beach areas also feature local shopping, fine seafood dining, and boutique shops.

Lawyers in Dana Point, California assist the community in a broad range of legal topics. Some of the legal issues and laws in Dana Point may be specific to the area. Experienced Dana Point lawyers can provide legal services that are tailored to meet the needs of city residents.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Howard B.
Howard B.

Business - Litigation

Rye Brook, NY

Mark B.
Mark B.

Business - Litigation

Roseland, NJ

David A.
David A.

Business - Litigation

Walnut Creek, CA