Suing for Punitive Damages in Warren

Find the right Litigation attorney in Warren, MI

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

Litigation Lawyers in Warren

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

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. In Warren, Michigan, courts will, in fairly rare cases, require defendants to pay plaintiffs sums of money which aren't calculated by the actual harm and costs the plaintiff has incurred. Instead, these "punitive damages," as they are called, are meant to punish and deter wrongdoing.

Punitive Damages in Warren, Michigan are not awarded easily, because the civil justice system generally 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 Warren, Michigan

Personal injury litigation doesn't usually carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Warren, Michigan, because mostly personal injury cases stem from harm that was caused accidentally, not deliberately. Accidental harm is not enough to warrant an award of punitive damages in Warren, Michigan.

Punitive damages in Warren, Michigan are not authorized in many cases. They are only awarded when the defendant's conduct 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 Warren, Michigan will be considered. Furthermore, 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.

It's important to note that in Warren, Michigan, punitive damages are not unlimited. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that punitive damages cannot be hugely disproportionate to the amount awarded to compensate the plaintiff for the actual injuries they suffered. If the punitive damages are extremely excessive, an appeals court might rule that they amount to a deprivation of property without due process of law, or a de facto criminal punishment, without affording the defendant the protections available in criminal cases.

In Warren, Michigan, punitive damage awards are typically (but not always) capped at 10 times the amount awarded in compensatory damages. Remember, however, that this is just a basic rule of thumb, and is not completely rigid. In Michigan, 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 specific punitive damage award will depend heavily on the facts of each case.

How Can a Warren, Michigan Attorney Help?

In Warren, Michigan, there are a practically unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you have been injured in Warren, Michigan 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 Warren, Michigan.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Warren

Warren, Michigan is the largest city in Macomb County. With a population of 135,000, it is the largest city in the county and the third largest in the state of Michigan. Many large businesses and corporations have their home in Warren, Michigan, including Big Boy Restaurants International, General Motors Technical Center, and the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal. Due to the many business and employment opportunities in the city, Warren has a separate Community and Economic Development Department to monitor the city's progress.

In addition to its many economic opportunities, Warren, Michigan also supports an active recreation department. The city maintains a total of 24 parks and holds several outdoor concerts every year. Also, the Owen Jax Recreation center in Warren is a large multipurpose facility for sports activities, teen events, and senior games. Many residents enjoy the local activities held there throughout the seasons. The Warren Community Center also holds similar events and activities.

Warren, Michigan is also home to a number of historical sites and markers. In particular, Village of Warren, Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant, and General Motors Technical Center are favorite destinations for residents and tourists alike.

Lawyers in Warren, Michigan provide the community with legal services in a wide variety of areas. They are available to assist persons by giving legal advice, providing representation in court, and other similar tasks. Many Warren, Michigan lawyers are active members of legal and civic organizations such as the Macomb County Bar Association.

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