Suing for Punitive Damages in Green Bay

Find the right Litigation attorney in Green Bay, WI

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Litigation Lawyers in Green Bay

Civil litigation in Green Bay, Wisconsin is concerned almost always with extending financial redress to the victims of wrongdoing. It is not concerned with meting out punishment or moral judgment upon the wrongdoers.

Nonetheless, this general principle has a major exception. In rare cases, a Green Bay, Wisconsin judge or jury can award damages to the plaintiff that are not calculated by the actual losses sustained. Instead, they serve the purpose of punishing the defendant, and deterring others from wrongdoing. These are called "punitive damages."

Punitive Damages in Green Bay, Wisconsin 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 Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

Punitive damages in Green Bay, Wisconsin 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 Green Bay, Wisconsin 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.

You should be cognizant of the fact that there are some pretty severe limits on punitive damages in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Court has found that there are constitutional limits on punitive damage awards. Punitive damages can't be too disproportionate to the actual damages that the plaintiff has suffered. Appeals courts have found that excessive punitive damage awards violate the defendant's right to due process, by depriving them of massive amounts of property.

Punitive damages in Green Bay, Wisconsin normally cannot surpass 10 times the amount of actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. Nonetheless, this is just a guideline, and not a strict rule. Courts in Wisconsin have found larger punitive damage awards to be perfectly valid, and smaller ones to be invalid. This will be strongly dependent on the facts of each case.

How Can a Green Bay, Wisconsin Attorney Help?

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, there are a basically unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you have been harmed in Green Bay, Wisconsin and you think punitive damages might be justified, a large amount of money might be at stake. For that reason, you should not delay to consult a civil litigation attorney in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Green Bay

Green Bay, Wisconsin is the county seat for Brown County and has a population of over 104,000. The city is best known for being home to the NFL team, the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is nicknamed "Titletown", which is a reference to the record number of championship titles won by the Packers.

The city of Green Bay is very fond of outdoor festivals and celebrations. In addition to Packer games at Lambeau field and other sports functions, popular events include Winterfest on Broadway, Artstreet, and Summer in the Park. Shopping is also very popular in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Bay Park Square features a football-themed food court with many eateries and two giant flatscreen TVs at each end of the court. Green Bay Plaza and East Town Mall also have a variety of retail stores and restaurants.

Historically, Green Bay's economy consisted mostly of trade and farming. Currently, the city boasts an active business and economic life comprised of many different trades and industries. Some major employers in Green Bay, Wisconsin include Humana, Schneider International, and American Foods Group. The Green Bay Packers are also a major employer for the city.

Lawyers in Green Bay, Wisconsin usually assist clients at the Green Bay City Municipal Court or at the Brown County Courthouse. Green Bay attorneys enhance their skills by attending continued legal education courses and by participating in local and state bar associations. They offer a variety of legal services and perform many different types of legal tasks.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Howard B.
Howard B.

Business - Litigation

Rye Brook, NY

Mark B.
Mark B.

Business - Litigation

Roseland, NJ

David A.
David A.

Business - Litigation

Walnut Creek, CA