The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term “remittitur” refers to a judge’s ruling that reduces the amount of damages that are awarded upon the conclusion of a civil trial. For example, a remittitur is typically put in place when the amount the jury decides to award is more than the plaintiff asked for. A remittitur can also be issued if the damages awarded do not […]
Read moreThe term “treble damages” is used to describe the court’s ability to award three times the damages in certain cases. For example, treble damages are triple the damages that a court would normally award in a similar case. However, in some cases, treble damages are awarded in addition to the other damages awarded to the Plaintiff in the case. To […]
Read moreGeneral damages amount to financial compensation that is issued by a court to compensate for injuries suffered, for which no real dollar value can be calculated. Examples of general damages can include financial compensation for pain and suffering, or for a shortened life expectancy. General damages may also arise from a breach of contract claim. To explore this concept, consider […]
Read moreThe legal term punitive damages refers to a monetary award ordered by the court to be paid by a defendant to the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit. While it is common for a plaintiff to be awarded money to pay for a wrong committed by the defendant, such as money to pay medical bills, or for property damage, punitive damages […]
Read moreThe legal term “damages” refers to a sum of money that may be awarded by a court of law to an individual or entity as compensation for property damage, a physical injury, or other loss caused by another person’s actions. Damages that a court may award are divided into two basic types, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages return the plaintiff […]
Read moreWhen discussing the law, the term “award” can be somewhat misleading as it is not necessarily a recognition, or honor of an achievement. Where the law is concerned, an award is a judicial decision that is made during a court case in which a plaintiff or defendant is given something that they are seeking. For instance, in a civil lawsuit, […]
Read moreJoint and several liability comes into play in a civil lawsuit in which one party (usually the Plaintiff) is awarded damages from the other party (usually the Defendant). Joint and several liability means that all of the Defendants are responsible for the act, and for the damages. The Plaintiff, however, may seek to collect the awarded damages from all of […]
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