Suing for Punitive Damages in Ridgefield

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Litigation Lawyers in Ridgefield

In Ridgefield, 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.

This general principle is subject to an important exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Ridgefield, Connecticut will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff a sum of money which is not calculated based on actual harm the plaintiff has suffered. These are called "punitive damages" and serve the purpose of punishing and deterring wrongdoing.

In Ridgefield, Connecticut, punitive damages are not awarded in many cases. This is because the civil litigation system strongly disfavors giving money to plaintiffs in amounts disproportionate to the injuries they have suffered. However, in some cases, the conduct of the defendant is so reprehensible, that simply punishing the defendant is a worthy goal, and this interest outweighs the preference against giving civil plaintiffs financial windfalls.

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

The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits in Ridgefield, Connecticut involve instances in which the defendant did not intend to harm the plaintiff, but did so through carelessness. This is not enough to award punitive damages in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Punitive Damages in Ridgefield, Connecticut are only awarded in cases where the actions of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, Connecticut Attorney Help?

In Ridgefield, Connecticut, there are a virtually unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you are located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and are immersed in a case that you think, based on the information conveyed above, that might have punitive damages as an option, you can't be sure what, if anything, you're entitled to from the defendant until you consult with a Ridgefield, Connecticut civil litigation attorney

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Life in Ridgefield

Located in Fairfield County, Ridgefield is a popular Connecticut city to work, live and visit. Home to just under 25,000 residents Ridgefield has all the perks of a big city with a small city charm. The 300-year-old community has a lot of history throughout the town.

Ridgefield is located on 35 square miles and has many buildings and sites that are on the national register of historic places, including: Benedict House and Shop, Keeler Tavern and the Lewis June House. In addition to landmarks, the city has lots to offer in terms of entertainment including the Children's Orchestra and many art museums.

Professionals also enjoy success in Ridgefield. Ridgefield lawyers are some of the best in the business and enjoy working in a city that has so much to offer them in the off hours. Ridgefield lawyers are skilled in a range of practice areas and are always happy and available to help their local clients with whatever legal issue he or she is dealing with at the time. In addition to lawyers, Ridgefield is home to great doctors, accountants and bankers as well.

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