Suing for Punitive Damages in Haverhill

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Litigation Lawyers in Haverhill

In Haverhill, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill, Massachusetts

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

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, punitive damages are only awarded in extreme situations. Civil wrongs such as fraud, conversion (theft), battery, and other intentional, depraved acts are sufficient to award punitive damages. In deciding whether or not to award punitive damages, and how much money to award, courts in Haverhill, Massachusetts will consider many different factors. Normally, they employ a sliding scale, weighing the nature of the conduct and the actual harm that the conduct caused. The more immoral the conduct, and/or the more harm caused, the more likely a court is to award punitive damages.

There are limits on punitive damages in Haverhill, 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.

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

How Can a Haverhill, Massachusetts Attorney Help?

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, 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 have been harmed in Haverhill, Massachusetts and you think punitive damages might be justified, a large amount of money might be at stake. For that reason, you should not delay to consult a civil litigation attorney in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

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Life in Haverhill

Haverhill is a Massachusetts city located in the county of Essex. Founded in 1640, it is one of the oldest known communities in the state. The city encompasses a wide range of industries, from agricultural rural land use to modern research efforts found in its urban areas.

Haverhill is dedicated to preserving its rich history which captures early American life. The Haverhill Historical Society showcases colonial life through the Buttonwood Museum. Recently Haverhill formed "Cultural Treasures", a collection of five non-profit cultural groups promoting history and the arts.

There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Haverhill. In particular, the Merrimack River is an ideal location for hiking and observing nature. Haverhill is home to a growing bald eagle population which can be seen along the River.

Noteworthy Haverhill inhabitants have included inventor Alexander Graham Bell, Supreme Court Justice William Henry Moody, and comic creator Bob Montana. Bob Montana's famous comic "Archie" is based on everyday Haverhill life.

Lawyers in Haverhill, Massachusetts generally file most of their cases at the Haverhill District Court. Many Haverhill lawyers are members of outstanding Massachusetts legal organizations.

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