Suing for Punitive Damages in Brookline

Find the right Litigation attorney in Brookline, MA

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

Litigation Lawyers in Brookline

In Brookline, Massachusetts, civil litigation serves the main purpose of compensating individuals who have been victims of wrongdoing, and not meting out punishment, vengeance, or moral judgment.

This basic principle is subject to an significant exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Brookline, Massachusetts 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.

Punitive Damages in Brookline, Massachusetts are not awarded easily, because the civil justice system typically disfavors giving plaintiffs financial windfalls not directly related to compensating them for their injuries. They are usually only awarded when the conduct of the defendant is morally reprehensible, and far worse than simple carelessness.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Brookline, Massachusetts

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

In Brookline, Massachusetts, punitive damages are not awarded in most cases. They are usually only awarded when the defendant's behavior 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 Brookline, Massachusetts 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.

There are limits on punitive damages in Brookline, Massachusetts. 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.

Punitive damages in Brookline, Massachusetts normally cannot surpass 10 times the amount of actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. Nonetheless, this is just a guideline, and not a strict rule. Courts in Massachusetts have found larger punitive damage awards to be perfectly valid, and smaller ones to be invalid. This will be strongly dependent on the facts of each case.

How Can a Brookline, Massachusetts Attorney Help?

The law of Brookline, Massachusetts doesn't lay out many strict conditions which are necessary before punitive damages can be authorized. Instead, it largely leaves it to the discretion of the courts. So, there are various situations where they might be awarded.

If you are immersed in a case in Brookline, Massachusetts 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 delay to speak with a civil litigation attorney in Brookline, Massachusetts

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Brookline

Brown Deer is a village in Milwaukee County and was formerly a part of the town of Granville. Brown Deer officially incorporated on January 20, 1955 and is home to 13,000 Wisconsin residents. The village covers a total of 4.4 square miles and plays host to a large population of Caucasians and African-Americans over half of whom are married. The village is one of only two municipalities in Wisconsin that retains an African American population greater than 10%. and also plays host to a number of lawyers. Brown deer lawyers are familiar with local courts and procedures and use their experience when advising clients on the best course of action for their case.  

Brown Deer is popular among families because of it's great schools which include Deen Elementary School, Brown Deer Middle School, and Brown Deer High School. Formerly, Algonquin Elementary School was open on North 47th Street but closed because it could not compete with the newer Deen Elementary School. Brown Deer residents enjoy access to many nearby parks and shopping centers that also attract visitors from neighboring counties. Brown Deer also has an outstanding kids sports program for residents that offers baseball, soccer, and basketball among other sports.

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