Suing for Punitive Damages in Clifton

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Litigation Lawyers in Clifton

The civil litigation system in Clifton, New Jersey 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.

This basic principle is subject to an significant exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Clifton, New Jersey 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.

Punitive Damages in Clifton, New Jersey are not awarded easily, because the civil justice system typically disfavors giving plaintiffs financial windfalls not directly related to compensating them for their injuries. They are usually only awarded when the conduct of the defendant is morally reprehensible, and far worse than simple carelessness.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Clifton, New Jersey

Generally personal injury cases in Clifton, New Jersey involve injuries that the defendant did not intend to cause, but was still at fault in causing them (through negligence, for instance). In Clifton, New Jersey, this is not enough to justify the award of punitive damages.

Punitive Damages in Clifton, New Jersey are only awarded in cases where the actions of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In Clifton, New Jersey, 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.

There are limits on punitive damages in Clifton, New Jersey. 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 Clifton, New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, 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 Clifton, New Jersey Attorney Help?

The law of Clifton, New Jersey 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 Clifton, New Jersey 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 Clifton, New Jersey.

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Life in Clifton

Clifton is located in Passaic County, New Jersey. As of 2010, it has a population of 84,136 people. What is interesting is that Clifton is listed under five different zip codes--07011, 07012, 07013, 07014, and 07015!

Clifton has been mentioned in media such as the film The King of Comedy, Donnie Brasco, and the television series The Sopranos.

Well-known residents include Jay Alford, David Chase, Ronald F. Maxwell, Jon Seda, Steve Smith, Dave Szott, and Ivan Wilzig.

Clifton is also home to many small law offices and law firms, who train excellent attorneys to practice in various areas of law. Therefore, the legal needs of Clifton residents will always be tended to.

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