Suing for Punitive Damages in San Diego

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Litigation Lawyers in San Diego

In San Diego, California, the civil litigation system is primarily concerned with compensating the victims of wrongdoing, rather than punishing the wrongdoers, or casting moral blame upon them.

There is a major exception to this rule, however. In limited situations, courts in San Diego, California will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff damages which are not directly tied to any harm suffered by the plaintiff. Rather, these damages, which are known as "punitive damages", are meant to punish the wrongdoer, and serve as a deterrent.

It's essential to note that courts in San Diego, California prefer not to grant punitive damages. This is because the civil justice system is designed primarily to compensate the victims of wrongdoing. However, there are some cases where the defendant's conduct was so immoral and evil that civil courts have an interest in making them pay additional 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 San Diego, California

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

Punitive damages in San Diego, California are not granted 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 San Diego, California 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 San Diego, California. 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.

Punitive damages in San Diego, California normally cannot exceed 10 times the amount of actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. However, this is just a guideline, and not a strict rule. Courts in California have found larger punitive damage awards to be perfectly valid, and smaller ones to be invalid. This will be highly dependent on the facts of each case.

How Can a San Diego, California Attorney Help?

In San Diego, California, judges and juries have a good deal of leeway in deciding if they want to grant punitive damages, so there are a nearly-unlimited number of situations that can lead to a punitive damage award.

If you are immersed in a case in San Diego, California 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 hesitate to speak with a civil litigation attorney in San Diego, California

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Life in San Diego

San Diego is one of California's most beautiful cities. It is filled with history, great attractions, great weather, and gorgeous beaches! Families can enjoy a day at the USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Cabrillo National Monument, Pirate Ship Adventures, and Point Loma.

Alongside all the great attractions for family are the excellent restaurants, famous Mexican food, shopping (with great outlets like the Las Americas Premium Outlets), and great nightlife, especially in Downtown San Diego's Gaslamp District. If you want to just relax and enjoy the beach, San Diego has many beaches to choose from such as Coronado Beach, Ocean Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach.

San Diego also caters to its citizens' legal needs with many reputable law firms having office locations in prime areas of San Diego. In fact San Diego also has three law schools, whose graduates often find employment in these firms and travel around the United States for various cases. All in all, San Diegans have a beautiful ambiance to enjoy and great lawyers to protect and advocate for their legal interests.

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