Suing for Punitive Damages in New Britain

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Litigation Lawyers in New Britain

In New Britain, 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 situations, courts in New Britain, 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 New Britain, 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 New Britain, Connecticut

Personal injury litigation doesn't normally carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in New Britain, Connecticut, because generally 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 New Britain, Connecticut.

Punitive Damages in New Britain, Connecticut are only awarded in cases where the actions of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In New Britain, 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 essential to know that punitive damages in New Britain, 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.

Typically, in New Britain, 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 New Britain, Connecticut Attorney Help?

In New Britain, Connecticut, 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 New Britain, Connecticut 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 New Britain, Connecticut

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Life in New Britain

Beautiful New Britain, Connecticut is home to almost 72,000 residents. The city was first settled in 1687. Conveniently located just 9 miles from Hartford, the town has an identity all its own. New Britain has a storied history as a major manufacturing center and is aptly nicknamed, "Hardware city." The city serves as the headquarters for Stanley Works since 1843. New Britain is also home to a very large Polish population and their presence is seen in the many Polish restaurants, cultural events, and activities. In fact, New Britain is home to the largest Polish community in all of Connecticut. Not surprisingly, there are also many Polish museums dedicated to their role in the growing community. Comprising 13.4 square miles, New Britain has lots to offer its residents and visitors. Home of the New Britain Rock Cats, a minor league baseball team ensures that there is always something to do in the summertime. The city is also home to lots of schools, including a couple colleges that make for a great school atmosphere. New Britain also has top lawyers to help its citizens in a range of legal issues including: contract law, divorce and family law issues, employment law, and many others. The professional community in New Britain is second to none.

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