Suing for Punitive Damages in Rocky Mount

Find the right Litigation attorney in Rocky Mount, NC

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

Litigation Lawyers in Rocky Mount

The civil litigation system in Rocky Mount, North Carolina is designed to provide compensation for individuals who are injured because of the unlawful conduct of others. It is not much concerned with punishing or deterring wrongdoers.

However, this general principle has a major exception. In rare cases, a Rocky Mount, North Carolina judge or jury can award damages to the plaintiff that are not calculated by the actual losses suffered. Instead, they serve the purpose of punishing the defendant, and deterring others from wrongdoing. These are called "punitive damages."

Punitive Damages in Rocky Mount, North Carolina are not awarded lightly, because the civil justice system usually 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Personal injury litigation doesn't typically carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, because typically 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Punitive damages in Rocky Mount, North Carolina are not granted in many cases. They are only awarded when the defendant's behavior 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina will be considered. Moreover, 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina. 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina, punitive damage awards are normally (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 North Carolina, 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina Attorney Help?

The law of Rocky Mount, North Carolina doesn't lay out many strict conditions which are required before punitive damages can be granted. Instead, it largely leaves it to the discretion of the courts. So, there are several situations where they might be awarded.

If you are engaged in a case in Rocky Mount, North Carolina 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount is located along the coastal plains of North Carolina. It was formally incorporated on February 28, 1867. The 2010 census reported the city's population as 57477 people.

The city is a huge arts center. with a growing arts community, a Children's Museum Science Center, a Community Theater at the Imperial Centre for Arts Science, and the overall reputation of being the huge art hub in North Carolina.

Major corporations that have established a presence in the city are Raleigh, Rocky Mount Instruments, 368x Electra Piano Harpsichord, Hardee's, Boddie-Noell, and Texas Steakhouse Saloon.

Famous residents include J.J. Arrington, Anthony Avent, Roy A. Cooper, Earle Hyman, Julius Peppers, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

There are also many law firms and law offices in Rocky Mount. Therefore, residents and local businesses have ample resources to turn to when needing legal services.

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