Suing for Punitive Damages in Bridgeport

Find the right Litigation attorney in Bridgeport, CT

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

Litigation Lawyers in Bridgeport

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the civil litigation system is mainly 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 circumstances, courts in Bridgeport, Connecticut will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff damages which are not directly tied to any harm sustained by the plaintiff. Rather, these damages, which are known as "punitive damages", are meant to punish the wrongdoer, and serve as a deterrent.

You should be cognizant that courts in Bridgeport, Connecticut are not especially fond of authorizing punitive damages, because they view it as a financial windfall that generally runs counter to civil litigation's primary purpose of compensating victims of wrongdoing for the harm they've suffered. However, if the conduct of the defendant was completely reprehensible and the harm caused was deliberate, a court might impose damages to punish the defendant, known as "punitive damages."

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Personal injury litigation doesn't usually carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Bridgeport, Connecticut, because mostly personal injury cases stem from harm that was caused accidentally, not deliberately. Accidental harm is not enough to warrant an award of punitive damages in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, punitive damages are only awarded in extreme circumstances. Civil wrongs such as fraud, conversion (theft), battery, and other intentional, depraved acts are sufficient to award punitive damages. In deciding whether or not to award punitive damages, and how much money to award, courts in Bridgeport, Connecticut will consider many different factors. Usually, they employ a sliding scale, weighing the nature of the conduct and the actual harm that the conduct caused. The more immoral the conduct, and/or the more harm caused, the more likely a court is to award punitive damages.

There are limits on punitive damages in Bridgeport, Connecticut. 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut, punitive damage awards are typically (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 Connecticut, 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut Attorney Help?

The law of Bridgeport, Connecticut 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut and are involved 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 injured you. To know for sure, you should speak with a civil litigation attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut is located on the Long Island Sound and has a growing population of nearly 145,000 people. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. As a harbor city, Bridgeport, Connecticut was initially focused on the shipbuilding industry. Today it is an ideal location for business, retail, and economic development.

Bridgeport is known for being a city of "firsts". For example, it is often called the "birthplace of the Frisbee" and is home to the first Subway Restaurant. Its unique location still contributes to the growth and prosperity of the city. Bridgeport's downtown area is an excellent spot for fine dining, sports events, and theater acts, particularly at the Arena at Harboryard.

In addition, Bridgeport, Connecticut hosts a number of annual culture events. Residents and tourists enjoy visiting such attractions as the Housatonic Museum of Art, and Captain's Cove Seaport. The city's atmosphere still reflects its history as a major harbor and port center.

Lawyers in Bridgeport, Connecticut offer services in a broad range of legal fields. Many Bridgepoint lawyers belong to legal organizations such as the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association.

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