Suing for Punitive Damages in Streamwood

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Litigation Lawyers in Streamwood

In Streamwood, Illinois, civil litigation serves the primary purpose of compensating people who have been victims of wrongdoing, and not meting out punishment, vengeance, or moral judgment.

There is an exception to this general rule, however: in some cases, a court in Streamwood, Illinois will award damages designed to punish the wrongdoer, and deter others from future wrongdoing. This practice is recognized as "punitive damages."

It's essential to note that courts in Streamwood, Illinois prefer not to grant punitive damages. This is because the civil justice system is designed primarily to compensate the victims of wrongdoing. However, there are some cases where the defendant's conduct was so immoral and evil that civil courts have an interest in making them pay additional damages, going above and beyond what's needed to compensate the victim, in order to serve as a deterrent.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Streamwood, Illinois

Generally personal injury cases in Streamwood, Illinois involve injuries that the defendant did not intend to cause, but was still at fault in causing them (through negligence, for example). In Streamwood, Illinois, this is not enough to justify the award of punitive damages.

Punitive damages in Streamwood, Illinois are not granted in many cases. They are only awarded when the defendant's actions was so deplorable and deliberate (but not necessarily criminal) that punishment is warranted. Fraud, battery, conversion (theft) and other intentional, insidious acts are usually required before punitive damages in Streamwood, Illinois will be considered. Additionally, in deciding how much to award in punitive damages, a court will consider 2 main factors: the insidious nature of the defendant's conduct, and the actual harm that the plaintiff suffered as a result.

There are limits on punitive damages in Streamwood, Illinois. 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 Streamwood, Illinois, punitive damage awards are usually (but not always) capped at 10 times the amount awarded in compensatory damages. Remember, however, that this is just a general rule of thumb, and is not completely rigid. In Illinois, 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 particular punitive damage award will depend heavily on the facts of each case.

How Can a Streamwood, Illinois Attorney Help?

In Streamwood, Illinois, 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 immersed in a case in Streamwood, Illinois 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 Streamwood, Illinois

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Life in Streamwood

Streamwood is located in Cook County, Illinois. It is one of Chicago's many suburbs. Surrounding suburbs include Hanover Park and Bartlett. Together, these three suburbs make up "Tri Village."

Streamwood is filled with many famous and beautiful churches, include the Grace Bible Church, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Truelight Lutheran Church, and Faith Missionary Baptist Churt.

Other popular sites are located in Streamwood's Park District. Park District is home to many recreation centers and parks, including Rahlf's Woods, Dolphin Park and Hoosier Grove. The Park District also has Sunnyhill Park, 'The Barn' banquet Center, and Streamwood Heritage Museum.

Being so near Chicago, Streamwood residents have an extremely competent legal force to handle their legal matters. Chicago is home to many top ranked law firms that train ivy-league educated attorneys. Further, Chicago also has many small to mid-size law firms that train intelligent attorneys who focus on providing personalized legal services.

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