Suing for Punitive Damages in Alexandria

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Litigation Lawyers in Alexandria

Civil litigation in Alexandria, Virginia is concerned almost exclusively with providing financial redress to the victims of wrongdoing. It is not concerned with meting out punishment or moral judgment upon the wrongdoers.

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

In Alexandria, Virginia, 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 Alexandria, Virginia

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

Punitive damages in Alexandria, Virginia are only awarded in the most extreme cases. Fraud, theft, assault, battery, and other intentional, immoral acts are grounds for punitive damages. Alexandria, Virginia courts will consider various factors in considering whether or not to award punitive damages. For example, the court might employ a sliding scale that weighs the immorality of the defendant's behavior against the actual harm that it caused to the plaintiff, and calculate damages accordingly.

You should be aware of the fact that there are some pretty severe limits on punitive damages in Alexandria, Virginia. The U.S. Supreme Court has found that there are constitutional limits on punitive damage awards. Punitive damages can't be too disproportionate to the actual damages that the plaintiff has suffered. Appeals courts have found that excessive punitive damage awards violate the defendant's right to due process, by depriving them of considerable amounts of property.

Punitive damages in Alexandria, Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Alexandria, Virginia Attorney Help?

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

If you are located in Alexandria, Virginia, and are engaged in a case that you think, based on the information conveyed above, that might have punitive damages as an option, you can't be sure what, if anything, you're entitled to from the defendant until you consult with an Alexandria, Virginia civil litigation attorney

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Life in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Incorporated in the year 1779, it played a major role in many early American historical events. Visitors to the area can learn about the city's early days at various museums and historical homes.

The city's rich history is preserved in "Old Town" Alexandria. This historic center is a major attraction for tourists with its many antique theaters, shops, boutiques, and eateries. Market Square is located in Old Town and is considered by many to be the oldest operating marketplace in the U.S.

Many other neighborhoods in Alexandria retain a similar atmosphere of charm and peacefulness. In 2008, Alexandria, Virginia was officially named an "Eco-City", while at the same time retaining its historical character.

Due to its proximity to the U.S. capital, many residents of Alexandria are professionals working for the federal government and the U.S. military. The patent and trademark industry are also an integral part of Alexandria's flourishing economy. Several non-profit groups have their national headquarters in the city, including the Salvation Army and United Way.

Lawyers in Alexandria, Virginia offer legal services in both general and specialized areas of law. Alexandria lawyers deal with a variety of legal matters that are unique to the local area.

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