Suing for Punitive Damages in Coral Springs

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Litigation Lawyers in Coral Springs

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

This basic principle is subject to an significant exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Coral Springs, Florida will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff a sum of money which is not calculated based on actual harm the plaintiff has suffered. These are called "punitive damages" and serve the purpose of punishing and deterring wrongdoing.

In Coral Springs, Florida, punitive damages are not awarded in many cases. This is because the civil litigation system highly disfavors giving money to plaintiffs in amounts disproportionate to the injuries they have suffered. Nonetheless, 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 Coral Springs, Florida

A majority of personal injury litigation actions in Coral Springs, Florida do not involve the possibility of punitive damages, because they normally involve injuries where the defendant is at fault for the harm caused, but did not intend to do any harm. In Coral Springs, Florida, accidental harm may be enough to award the plaintiff compensatory damages, but it is not enough for punitive damages.

Punitive damages in Coral Springs, Florida are not authorized 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 Coral Springs, Florida 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.

Nonetheless, in Coral Springs, Florida, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled various 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 Coral Springs, Florida, 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 Florida, 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 Coral Springs, Florida Attorney Help?

The law of Coral Springs, Florida doesn't lay out many strict conditions which are necessary before punitive damages can be authorized. Instead, it largely leaves it to the discretion of the courts. So, there are various situations where they might be awarded.

If you are immersed in a case in Coral Springs, Florida 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 delay to speak with a civil litigation attorney in Coral Springs, Florida

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Life in Coral Springs

Coral Springs, Florida, is part of Broward County and has a population of about 126,000 people. Coral Springs has received many accolades for its family-friendly atmosphere, low crime rates, and overall quality of living.

The city of Coral Springs, Florida is known for having a distinct, unique appeal amongst other Florida cities. Part of the city's charm may be attributed to strict zoning and housing codes that enhance its aesthetic appeal. Also, Coral Springs was master-planned and developed primarily by Coral Ridge Properties, which is also where the city gets its name from. Much of the city's economic success can be attributed to excellent planning.

Coral Springs also maintains several parks, museums, and recreation centers. A popular attraction is the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, which also contains a theater capable of seating over 1,400 people. Art classes and community programs are held at Coral Springs Museum of Art. The city also hosts the "Our Town" festival, which attracts over 200,000 visitors yearly. Participants in the festival enjoy a mix of activities such as carnival rides, a parade, and a beauty pageant.

Lawyers in Coral Springs, Florida are available for consultation and representation in court. Attorneys in Coral Springs, Florida contribute their services to the progress and well-being of the city and its residents.

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