Tag Archives: punitive damages

At least 41 states allow punitive damages, while Washington state does not.  Punitive damages are different from compensatory damages, like lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.  Punitive damages are designed to punish a wrongdoer for egregious conduct. In an ordinary civil damage case involving an injury or a “tort,” the plaintiff must prove his case by a preponderance of the evidence.  This means the plaintiff must have at least 51% of the evidence … Continue reading →