What type of damages are awarded to punish a defendant in tort cases?

In tort cases, punitive damages are awarded specifically to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or malicious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. These damages go beyond merely compensating the plaintiff for their losses and are intended to serve as a form of societal condemnation of the defendant's actions.

While compensatory damages aim to reimburse the plaintiff for actual losses suffered, such as medical expenses or lost wages, punitive damages are focused on the defendant's wrongful conduct rather than the plaintiff's injury. Restitution damages are designed to restore any unjustly attained benefits back to the plaintiff, reflecting the idea of fairness and preventing the defendant from profiting from their misconduct. Nominal damages involve a minimal amount awarded when a legal wrong has occurred but hasn't resulted in substantial loss or harm to the plaintiff.

In summary, punitive damages are specifically tailored to address the need for punishment and deterrence in cases where the conduct of the defendant warrants more than mere compensation.