Suing for Punitive Damages in Anderson

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Litigation Lawyers in Anderson

In Anderson, Indiana, civil litigation serves the main purpose of compensating individuals who have been victims of wrongdoing, and not meting out punishment, vengeance, or moral judgment.

There is an exception to this basic rule, however: in certain cases, a court in Anderson, Indiana will award damages designed to punish the wrongdoer, and deter others from future wrongdoing. This practice is recognized as "punitive damages."

It's necessary to note that courts in Anderson, Indiana prefer not to grant punitive damages. This is because the civil justice system is designed mainly to compensate the victims of wrongdoing. Nonetheless, there are some cases where the defendant's conduct was so immoral and evil that civil courts have an interest in making them pay further damages, going above and beyond what's needed to compensate the victim, in order to serve as a deterrent.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Anderson, Indiana

A majority of personal injury litigation actions in Anderson, Indiana 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 Anderson, Indiana, accidental harm may be enough to award the plaintiff compensatory damages, but it is not enough for punitive damages.

Punitive damages in Anderson, Indiana 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 Anderson, Indiana 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 Anderson, Indiana. 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.

Typically, in Anderson, Indiana, punitive damage awards that exceed the actual damages (those awarded to directly compensate the plaintiff) by a factor of 10. This is not an absolute rule, nonetheless, and is applied on a case-by-case basis. Courts in Indiana have found much smaller awards to be invalid, and upheld much larger awards.

How Can a Anderson, Indiana Attorney Help?

The law of Anderson, Indiana 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 numerous situations where they might be awarded.

If you live in Anderson, Indiana 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 funds from the person or company that harmed you. To know for sure, you should speak with a civil litigation attorney in Anderson, Indiana.

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Life in Anderson

Anderson is a city of about 56,000 people, located in Madison County. Two main reasons Anderson is known is because it is the headquarters of the Church of God, and it is where Anderson University is located.

Some popular attractions include Downtown Historic District, Paramount Theatre, Mounds State Park, The Anderson Center for the Arts and Madison County Historical Center.

Interestingly, in 2007 Anderson was ranked number ninety-eight out of one hundred in Forbes Magazine's "100 Best Places for Businesses among Smaller U.S. Metro Areas." Being such a great place for businesses, it is natural that many attorneys and law offices would have a presence in Anderson to support businesses. Anderson has a competent legal force that is capable of handling any and every legal matter of Anderson residents and businesses.

All in all, Anderson is a wonderful small city that offers a great quality of life.

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