LGS 200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Disfigurement, Punitive Damages, False Light
21 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Basis of all torts: wrongs and compensation. Tort law is designed to compensate those who have suffered a loss or injury due to another person"s wrongful act. Purpose of tort law is to provide remedies for the violation of various protected interests, acts that cause physical injury or that interfere with physical security and freedom of movement. Compensatory damages- to compensate or reimburse the plaintiff for actual losses. Special damages- compensate the plaintiff for quantifiable monetary losses. Medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, extra costs, loss of irreplaceable items. General damages- compensate individuals for the nonmonetary aspects of the harm suffered, such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages- punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar wrongdoing. Limiting the amount of both punitive damages and general damages that can be awarded. Capping the amount that attorneys can collect in contingency fees. Requiring the losing party to pay both the plaintiff"s and the defendant"s expenses.
