Suing for Punitive Damages in Perth Amboy

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Litigation Lawyers in Perth Amboy

The civil litigation system in Perth Amboy, New Jersey is designed to provide compensation for persons who are injured because of the unlawful conduct of others. It is not much concerned with punishing or deterring wrongdoers.

This basic principle is subject to an significant exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Perth Amboy, New Jersey 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 Perth Amboy, New Jersey are not awarded easily, 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 Perth Amboy, New Jersey

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

Punitive damages in Perth Amboy, New Jersey are not authorized 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 Perth Amboy, New Jersey 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.

Nonetheless, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled various times that punitive damages cannot be grossly disproportionate to the evil nature of the conduct, and the injuries that the defendant suffered. If they are disproportionate, punitive damages might be considered a deprivation of the defendant's right to due process of law.

Punitive damages in Perth Amboy, New Jersey typically 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 New Jersey 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 Perth Amboy, New Jersey Attorney Help?

In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, there are a practically unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you have been hurt in Perth Amboy, New Jersey 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 Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

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Life in Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is nicknamed "City by the Bay," because it is near Raritan Bay. As of 2010, the population is around 50,814 people.

Popular sites include The Waterfront, Downtown, Harbortown, Hall Avenue, Southwestern, State Street, Amboy Avenue, Maurer, Chickentown, and Spa Springs.

Attorneys have also established their practices in Perth Amboy, allowing residents and businesses to remain rest assured. Any and every legal inquiry of theirs can be handled by the city's capable legal force.

Famous residents include Solomon Andrews, David Bryan, William Dunlap, Vida Guerra, Richie Ambora, Marcus Spring, Harry Tierney, John Watson, Ruth White, and David T. Wilentz.

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