Suing for Punitive Damages in Reno

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Litigation Lawyers in Reno

The civil litigation system in Reno, Nevada 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.

This general principle is subject to an important exception, however. There are cases where a judge in Reno, Nevada 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.

In Reno, Nevada, punitive damages are not awarded in many cases. This is because the civil litigation system strongly disfavors giving money to plaintiffs in amounts disproportionate to the injuries they have suffered. However, in some cases, the conduct of the defendant is so reprehensible, that simply punishing the defendant is a worthy goal, and this interest outweighs the preference against giving civil plaintiffs financial windfalls.

Conduct that can give rise to punitive damages in Reno, Nevada

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

Punitive damages in Reno, Nevada are not granted 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 Reno, Nevada 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.

However, in Reno, Nevada, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled many 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.

In Reno, Nevada, 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 general rule of thumb, and is not completely rigid. In Nevada, 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 Reno, Nevada Attorney Help?

In Reno, Nevada, there are a virtually unlimited number of situtations in which punitive damages can be awarded.

If you live in Reno, Nevada and are involved in a case that you believe carries the possibility of a punitive damage award, you may be entitled to a large amount of money from the person or company that injured you. To know for sure, you should speak with a civil litigation attorney in Reno, Nevada.

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Life in Reno

Reno says it's "the biggest little city in the world." Situated in a high desert valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Reno is the seat of Washoe County and home to 220,500 "Reno-ites." It's the fourth most populous city in the State of Nevada behind Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Like it's compatriots, Reno is best known as a gambling and entertainment destination. Many residents of the Sacramento Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix vacation in Reno. Most tourists visit during the annual festivals like the Hot August Nights classic car festival, the world renown Nugget Rib Cook-off, Reno Air Races and the Great Reno Balloon Race. There are a number of themed resorts like Circus Circus but nearly every hotel and resort has great shows. Reno is home and birthplace of Harrah's Entertainment.

The area of Reno and nearby Sparks is known as "Truckee Meadows." The city covers 69.3 square miles which also includes the Reno Events Center that hosts many concerts. There is a large population of students in Reno because University of Nevada, Reno is there. UNR is the oldest university in the State of Nevada and has a medical program that attracts national attention. Truckee Meadows Community College enrolls about 13,000 students. Nevada School of Law at Old College in Reno was the first law school in Nevada. There are a lot of courts in Reno so you shouldn't be surprised there are a lot of lawyers too. Reno lawyers can practice law throughout Nevada and know how to handle your legal issues.

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