Suing for Punitive Damages in Gulfport

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Litigation Lawyers in Gulfport

The civil litigation system in Gulfport, Mississippi is designed to provide compensation for persons who are injured because of the unlawful conduct of others. It is not much concerned with punishing or deterring wrongdoers.

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

It's critical to note that courts in Gulfport, Mississippi 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 Gulfport, Mississippi

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

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

It's critical to know that punitive damages in Gulfport, Mississippi are subject to limits. The Supreme Court of the United States has held, more than once, that punitive damages can't be grossly disproportionate to the actual harm sustained by the plaintiff. Grossly excessive punitive damage awards are unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has held, because they amount to the government acquiring property from the defendant without due process of law.

In Gulfport, Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Gulfport, Mississippi Attorney Help?

Gulfport, Mississippi's courts have wide discretion in awarding punitive damages. Therefore, it is impractical to comprehensively discuss all the situations in which punitive damages can arise.

If you are immersed in a case in Gulfport, Mississippi 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 Gulfport, Mississippi civil litigation attorney as soon as possible.

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Life in Gulfport

Gulfport is located in the state of Mississippi. With a population of over 71,000, it is the co-county seat of Harrison County, alongside the city of Biloxi. The city was incorporated in 1898 and had its beginnings as a port and lumber city. It contains over 6 miles of man made white-sand beaches by the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulfport is a residential city that also boasts a strong economic center of industry. The Gulfport Main Street Association oversees the development of the downtown area. The city is home to several companies as well as the U.S. Navy Seabees. Notable residents have included NFL quarterback Brett Favre and linebacker Rod Davis.

The city's Leisure Services offer a variety of community-centered activities at its many parks and recreation centers. Other popular places to visit are the Gulf Islands Water Park and the Gulfport Sportsplex, which attracts many sports tourists. Every year the city hosts what is known as the "World's Largest Fishing Rodeo".

Gulfport has survived a great deal of damage from hurricanes, including Hurricane Camille in 1969 and more recently Hurricane Katrina. The state of Mississippi has issued a Hurricane Katrina Disaster Training Manual for those who have been affected, including Gulfport lawyers. Lawyers in Gulfport, Mississippi have contributed greatly to the rebuilding of the city.

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