Suing for Punitive Damages in Columbia

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Litigation Lawyers in Columbia

In Columbia, Tennessee, 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.

There is a major exception to this rule, however. In limited cases, courts in Columbia, Tennessee will order a defendant to pay the plaintiff damages which are not directly tied to any harm suffered by the plaintiff. Rather, these damages, which are known as "punitive damages", are meant to punish the wrongdoer, and serve as a deterrent.

In Columbia, Tennessee, 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 Columbia, Tennessee

The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits in Columbia, Tennessee involve cases in which the defendant did not intend to harm the plaintiff, but did so through carelessness. This is not enough to award punitive damages in Columbia, Tennessee.

In Columbia, Tennessee, punitive damages are not awarded in most cases. They are normally only awarded when the defendant's actions was so reckless or deplorable that punishment of the defendant is warranted. Acts such as battery, fraud, and defamation (in some cases) are usually considered sufficient in Columbia, Tennessee to justify punitive damages. In deciding whether to award punitive damages, and how much to award, the two most important factors the court looks at will be the level of immorality of the act, as well as the actual harm that the plaintiff suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct.

It's critical to note that in Columbia, Tennessee, punitive damages are not unlimited. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that punitive damages cannot be hugely disproportionate to the amount awarded to compensate the plaintiff for the actual injuries they suffered. If the punitive damages are extremely excessive, an appeals court might rule that they amount to a deprivation of property without due process of law, or a de facto criminal punishment, without affording the defendant the protections available in criminal cases.

In general, punitive damages in Columbia, Tennessee cannot be more than 10 times larger than the actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. However, this is not an absolute rule, and appeals courts in Tennessee have upheld much larger awards, and found much smaller awards to be invalid. It's determined on a case-by-case basis.

How Can a Columbia, Tennessee Attorney Help?

Columbia, Tennessee's courts have wide discretion in awarding punitive damages. Accordingly, it is unrealistic to comprehensively discuss all the situations in which punitive damages can arise.

If you are engaged in a case in Columbia, Tennessee that you believe might entitle you to punitive damages, a lot of money could be at stake. Thus, if you want to pursue your legal remedies, you should see a Columbia, Tennessee civil litigation attorney as soon as possible.

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Life in Columbia

Columbia, Tennessee is home to just under 40,000 residents, and located just 45 miles south of the state's capital Nashville. Columbia was also the birthplace of the nation's 11th president, James K. Polk and boasts a variety of athletic, cultural, and other activities for its residents and visitors to enjoy on their visit to Columbia. There are also lots of historical plantation homes in the city of Columbia that draw many visitors.

Columbia, Tennessee is located in Maury County, abutting the beautiful Duck River. Columbia is famous for Mule Day-- a week long celebration every April dedicated to all things Mule which the city of Columbia attributes to having a very formative role in the colonization of the city. Every year, Mule day attracts over 1,000 spectators from all over the United States.

Not just known for mules, Columbia, Tennessee also has quality legal services to offer with great lawyers eager to serve their clients. The nearest law school to Columbia is Vanderbilt, located in Nashville. There are many other local law schools, producing quality lawyers every year. Columbia is home to many talented lawyers that specialize in a range of legal practices. Columbia lawyers are available to help with any legal problem you may encounter!

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