Suing for Punitive Damages in Lancaster

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Litigation Lawyers in Lancaster

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

However, this general principle has a major exception. In rare cases, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Personal injury litigation doesn't typically carry with it the possibility of punitive damages in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Punitive damages in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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.

However, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the law places limits on punitive damages. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled several 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania typically cannot exceed 10 times the amount of actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. However, this is just a guideline, and not a strict rule. Courts in Pennsylvania have found larger punitive damage awards to be perfectly valid, and smaller ones to be invalid. This will be highly dependent on the facts of each case.

How Can a Lancaster, Pennsylvania Attorney Help?

The law of Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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 have been hurt in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and you think punitive damages might be justified, a large amount of money might be at stake. For that reason, you should not hesitate to consult a civil litigation attorney in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Life in Lancaster

Lancaster is in Lane County, Oregon. It is right next to Harrisburg, Junction City and the Willamette River.

Some interesting facts about Lancaster is that the first post office was established here in 1858 and named "Freedom." The name was later changed to "Junction City." A popular attraction is "Woodyville," which is a house of entertainment i.e. road house started by a man named Woody. The attraction is also known as Woody's Landing. Later, Johnson Mulkey brought the property and built a small sawmill on it.

The great flood of 1862 had almost demolished the city. It slowly built itself back up.

For legal needs, residents often seek attorney services in nearby areas. Being so near to other cities and Oregon Route 99E, residents have no problem getting to where they need to be. Thus, seeking legal guidance is not a problem.

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