Suing for Punitive Damages in Boynton Beach

Find the right Litigation attorney in Boynton Beach, FL

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

Litigation Lawyers in Boynton Beach

In Boynton Beach, Florida, 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 Boynton Beach, Florida 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 Boynton Beach, Florida, 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 Boynton Beach, Florida

A majority of personal injury litigation actions in Boynton Beach, Florida do not involve the possibility of punitive damages, because they typically involve injuries where the defendant is at fault for the harm caused, but did not intend to do any harm. In Boynton Beach, Florida, accidental harm may be enough to award the plaintiff compensatory damages, but it is not enough for punitive damages.

In Boynton Beach, Florida, punitive damages are not awarded in most cases. They are normally only awarded when the defendant's actions was so reckless or deplorable that punishment of the defendant is warranted. Acts such as battery, fraud, and defamation (in some cases) are usually considered sufficient in Boynton Beach, Florida to justify punitive damages. In deciding whether to award punitive damages, and how much to award, the two most important factors the court looks at will be the level of immorality of the act, as well as the actual harm that the plaintiff suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct.

However, in Boynton Beach, Florida, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled several times that punitive damages cannot be grossly disproportionate to the evil nature of the conduct, and the injuries that the defendant suffered. If they are disproportionate, punitive damages might be considered a deprivation of the defendant's right to due process of law.

A good rule of thumb for calculating the upper limit of punitive damages in Boynton Beach, Florida is that punitive damages can be no larger than compensatory damages times ten. This rule is not absolute, of course. Courts in Florida have a good deal of discretion in awarding punitive damages, and will determine them based on the facts of each case. Because of this, punitive damage awards larger than 10 times compensatory damages are sometimes upheld, while much smaller awards have been overturned, because they were deemed excessive in a particular case.

How Can a Boynton Beach, Florida Attorney Help?

In Boynton Beach, Florida, 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 cases that can lead to a punitive damage award.

If you have been hurt in Boynton Beach, Florida and you think punitive damages might be justified, a large amount of money might be at stake. For that reason, you should not hesitate to consult a civil litigation attorney in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach is located in the beautiful county of Palm Beach, with a population of approximately 6614. It is a popular metropolitan city of South Florida. Many residents enjoy breathtaking water views from their abodes because Boynton Beach is located across from the Intracoastal Waterway, Ocean Ridge, and Briny Breezes.

Boynton Beach has a diverse population with Asians, Latinos, Caucasians, Blacks, etc. With such a diverse population, Boynton is home to many industries, including the tourist and hotel industries. Such businesses often need legal help. Therefore, Boynton Beach businesses and residents have the option of seeking legal aid from firms of all size in and near Boynton Beach. South Florida is home to many well-respected firms and law offices that train excellent attorneys. Therefore, businesses and residents of Boynton Beach should never have any issues obtaining capable legal counsel.

Famous residents of Boynton Beach include Vincent Mason, Marlon Byrd, Hilary McRae, Otis Thorpe, Karrie Webb, and Vince Wilfork.

Overall, Boynton Beach provides a beautiful atmosphere, a diverse population, and a wonderful quality of life.

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