Suing for Punitive Damages in Racine

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Litigation Lawyers in Racine

Civil litigation in Racine, Wisconsin 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.

However, this general principle has a major exception. In rare cases, a Racine, Wisconsin 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 Racine, Wisconsin are not awarded lightly, because the civil justice system typically 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 Racine, Wisconsin

Generally personal injury cases in Racine, Wisconsin do not involve punitive damages, because the defendant did not intend to cause harm, or act with some other form of malice. Rather, most of these cases involve situations where the defendant acted carelessly, but did not actually intend to cause harm. This is enough to award compensatory damages, but it is far from sufficient to award punitive damages in Racine, Wisconsin.

Punitive Damages in Racine, Wisconsin are only awarded in cases where the actions of the plaintiff was intentional and highly immoral, or extremely reckless. In Racine, Wisconsin, torts such as fraud, gross negligence, and theft are sufficient to award punitive damages. Courts consider numerous factors when deciding whether or not punitive damages are warranted. Courts will look at the nature of the act, as well as the defendant's intent in performing the act. This will be weighed, on a sliding scale, against the actual harm that the defendant's conduct caused to the plaintiff.

However, in Racine, Wisconsin, 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.

In Racine, Wisconsin, punitive damage awards are usually (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 Wisconsin, 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 Racine, Wisconsin Attorney Help?

The law of Racine, Wisconsin 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 live in Racine, Wisconsin and are immersed 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 harmed you. To know for sure, you should speak with a civil litigation attorney in Racine, Wisconsin.

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Life in Racine

Racine is located in Racine County, Wisconsin. It is well-recognized because of its location being near to popular sites such as the beautiful Lake Michigan, Root River, Milwaukee and Chicago.

Popular attractions include the Wind Point Lighthouse, S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, Racine Zoological Gardens, Thomas P. Hardy House, and Historic Horlick Field.

Famous celebrity athletes from Racine include Bob Foster, Steve Hanson, Don Heinkel, Ed Killian, Jesse Marsch, Brent Moss, Leo Murphy, Alex Scales, Tim Van Galder and Al Zupek.

Racine is also home to many attorneys who actively practice and are capable of handling the legal needs of residents and local businesses. Thus, no one has to travel far from Racine to have their legal needs taken care of.

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