Suing for Punitive Damages in Garden Grove

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Litigation Lawyers in Garden Grove

In Garden Grove, 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 situations, courts in Garden Grove, 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 Garden Grove, 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 Garden Grove, California

Personal injury litigation doesn't normally carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Garden Grove, California, 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 Garden Grove, California.

Punitive damages in Garden Grove, California are not granted in many cases. They are only awarded when the defendant's actions was so deplorable and deliberate (but not necessarily criminal) that punishment is warranted. Fraud, battery, conversion (theft) and other intentional, insidious acts are usually required before punitive damages in Garden Grove, California will be considered. Additionally, in deciding how much to award in punitive damages, a court will consider 2 main factors: the insidious nature of the defendant's conduct, and the actual harm that the plaintiff suffered as a result.

There are limits on punitive damages in Garden Grove, California. The Supreme Court has held that punitive damage awards which are grossly disproportionate to the immorality of the conduct, and the harm that it caused, are an unconstitutional deprivation of property without due process of law.

In Garden Grove, California, punitive damage awards are usually (but not always) capped at 10 times the amount awarded in compensatory damages. Remember, however, that this is just a general rule of thumb, and is not completely rigid. In California, appeals courts have a good deal of discretion in deciding if a punitive damage award is valid or invalid. Much larger awards have been upheld, and smaller awards have been overturned. The validity of a particular punitive damage award will depend heavily on the facts of each case.

How Can a Garden Grove, California Attorney Help?

The law of Garden Grove, California doesn't lay out many strict conditions which are required before punitive damages can be granted. Instead, it largely leaves it to the discretion of the courts. So, there are several situations where they might be awarded.

If you live in Garden Grove, California and are immersed in a case that you believe carries the possibility of a punitive damage award, you may be entitled to a large amount of money from the person or company that harmed you. To know for sure, you should speak with a civil litigation attorney in Garden Grove, California.

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Life in Garden Grove

Garden Grove is located near the beautiful area of Orange County, California. Garden Grove is a quaint city of approximately 170,883 and is known for being home to Robert H. Schuller's Crystal Cathedral.

The city primarily strives from the hotel industry and retail locations of all types. The area also has offices for Air Industries Corp., Driessen Aircraft Interior Systems, GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, and Mircrosemi Integrated Products. For all legal inquiries, residents of Garden Grove look to Orange County. Orange County is home to a few law schools, as well as large, mid-size, and small firms offering legal services in all legal practice areas.

Attractions in Garden Grove include the Crystal Cathedral referred to above, and the Atlantis Play Center, a great spot for families. Other popular attractions are located nearby in Orange County and include Disneyland, California Adventures, Downtown Disney, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. All in all, Garden Grove is a small city in a beautiful area that offers its residents a wonder quality of life.

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