Suing for Punitive Damages in Boulder

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Litigation Lawyers in Boulder

In Boulder, Colorado, the civil litigation system is mainly 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 Boulder, Colorado will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff damages which are not directly tied to any harm sustained by the plaintiff. Rather, these damages, which are known as "punitive damages", are meant to punish the wrongdoer, and serve as a deterrent.

You should be cognizant that courts in Boulder, Colorado 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 Boulder, Colorado

The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits in Boulder, Colorado involve instances in which the defendant did not intend to harm the plaintiff, but did so through carelessness. This is not enough to award punitive damages in Boulder, Colorado.

Punitive Damages in Boulder, Colorado are only awarded in cases where the actions of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In Boulder, Colorado, torts such as fraud, gross negligence, and theft are sufficient to award punitive damages. Courts consider numerous factors when deciding whether or not punitive damages are warranted. Courts will look at the nature of the act, as well as the defendant's intent in performing the act. This will be weighed, on a sliding scale, against the actual harm that the defendant's conduct caused to the plaintiff.

Nonetheless, in Boulder, Colorado, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled numerous 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.

In Boulder, Colorado, 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 basic rule of thumb, and is not completely rigid. In Colorado, 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 specific punitive damage award will depend heavily on the facts of each case.

How Can a Boulder, Colorado Attorney Help?

In Boulder, Colorado, there are a basically unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you are immersed in a case in Boulder, Colorado 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 Boulder, Colorado civil litigation attorney as soon as possible.

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Life in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado is the county seat of Boulder County, and it is also the largest city in that county. It has a population of just under 100,000 people.

Boulder is considered one of the most liberal of Colorado's larger cities, and was a major destination for participants in the counterculture movement in the late 1960s. This legacy affects its culture to this day.

The culture of Boulder, Colorado is driven by outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, Ultimate Frisbee, hiking, skiing, and many others. It is also home to a major film event - the Boulder International Film Festival.

Many successful professionals, such as lawyers, have relocated to Boulder, to take advantage of its growing economy, job opportunities, and unique culture.

If you are a resident of Boulder, Colorado, and need legal advice, there's probably a Boulder, Colorado attorney who's right for you. A Boulder, Colorado attorney can help you with almost any legal issue you're likely to face.

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