Suing for Punitive Damages in Toledo

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Litigation Lawyers in Toledo

In Toledo, Ohio, civil litigation is not meant to punish wrongdoers, at least that is not its primary purpose. Rather, it is designed to ensure that the victims of wrongdoing are given compensation for the harm they've suffered.

There is an exception to this general rule, however: in some cases, a court in Toledo, Ohio will award damages designed to punish the wrongdoer, and deter others from future wrongdoing. This practice is known as "punitive damages."

In Toledo, Ohio, 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 Toledo, Ohio

A majority of personal injury litigation actions in Toledo, Ohio 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 Toledo, Ohio, accidental harm may be enough to award the plaintiff compensatory damages, but it is not enough for punitive damages.

Punitive damages in Toledo, Ohio 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 Toledo, Ohio 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.

There are limits on punitive damages in Toledo, Ohio. 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.

Generally, in Toledo, Ohio, punitive damage awards that exceed the actual damages (those awarded to directly compensate the plaintiff) by a factor of 10. This is not an absolute rule, however, and is applied on a case-by-case basis. Courts in Ohio have found much smaller awards to be invalid, and upheld much larger awards.

How Can a Toledo, Ohio Attorney Help?

In Toledo, Ohio, 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 circumstances that can lead to a punitive damage award.

If you are involved in a case in Toledo, Ohio 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 Toledo, Ohio

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Life in Toledo

Toledo is the seat of Lucas County and the 4th most populous city in the State of Ohio. Toledo borders the State of Michigan and grew exponentially after the Miami and Eerie Canal were completed. As a transportation hub, Toledo is a midpoint between New York and Chicago via rail lines making it an ideal location for industry and commodity production. Toledo is widely known for its glass production including windows, doors, automobile windshields, art, and other construction materials. Johns Manville operates two premier fiberglass plants in Toledo alongside other giants like GlassTech. The automotive industry also thrives in Toledo with several Fortune 500 automotive companies that produce everything from spark plugs to performance parts.

Toledo's professional sports teams are a big attraction for locals and travelers alike. The Toledo Speedway hosts the Glass City 200 and is known as the home to the "Fastest Short Track Show" in the world which include drag races. The Inverness Club hosts a number of United States Golf Association (USGA) professional events like the U.S. Senior Open and the LPGA's Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. Raceway Park horse racing, Toledo Walleye hockey, and the Toledo Mud Hens who are the Detroit Tiger's minor league team are also play within city limits.

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