Suing for Punitive Damages in Naugatuck

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Litigation Lawyers in Naugatuck

In Naugatuck, Connecticut, 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 cases, courts in Naugatuck, Connecticut 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.

You should be aware that courts in Naugatuck, Connecticut are not particularly fond of granting 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 Naugatuck, Connecticut

Personal injury litigation doesn't typically carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Naugatuck, Connecticut, because typically 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 Naugatuck, Connecticut.

Punitive Damages in Naugatuck, Connecticut are only awarded in cases where the behavior of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In Naugatuck, Connecticut, 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.

It's crucial to know that punitive damages in Naugatuck, Connecticut 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 suffered by the plaintiff. Grossly excessive punitive damage awards are unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has held, because they amount to the government taking property from the defendant without due process of law.

Usually, in Naugatuck, Connecticut, punitive damage awards that exceed the actual damages (those awarded to directly compensate the plaintiff) by a factor of 10. This is not an absolute rule, however, and is applied on a case-by-case basis. Courts in Connecticut have found much smaller awards to be invalid, and upheld much larger awards.

How Can a Naugatuck, Connecticut Attorney Help?

In Naugatuck, Connecticut, there are a large number of cases in which punitive damages are appropriate, because the decision to grant punitive damages is largely up to the discretion of the jury.

If you are engaged in a case in Naugatuck, Connecticut that you believe might entitle you to punitive damages, a lot of money could be at stake. Thus, if you want to pursue your legal remedies, you should see a Naugatuck, Connecticut civil litigation attorney as soon as possible.

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Life in Naugatuck

With a population of 30,989 (according to the 2000 census), Naugatuck, Connecticut is a sizeable town located spanning on both sides of the Naugatuck River in New Haven County, Connecticut. Of course, being that close to water on both sides, has created some flooding problems for the city. Originally established as a farming community, Naugatuck has grown to incorporate many other industries since it's 1701 inception. One company of interest is H. Barber and Sons, which designs beach rakes and has become the largest business of its type in the world. Naugatuck is also the manufacturing home to Peter Paul, a division of Hershey Foods that produces Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars. Notable current and former residents of Naugatick include Charles Goodyear and baseball player Frank Shea. Quality of life is good for the residents that refer to their home as "Naugy" and there are many fairs and other activities that connect the city. Naugatuck also has an unique approach to government, as it is the only consolidated town and borough in the state of Connecticut. Lawyers in Naugatuck also help improve the quality of life for their fellow citizen. Naigtuck lawyers are skilled in a range of specialties and truly enjoy their craft. Whatever legal issue their fellow Naugy may find themselves confronted with, a Naigtuck lawyer is there to help!

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