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Excessive Damages: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Definitions
Definition & Meaning
Excessive damages refer to compensation amounts awarded in a legal case that are considered unreasonably high or not justified by the circumstances of the case. These damages go beyond what is deemed appropriate according to legal standards and principles. In contrast to actual damages, which are compensatory and intended to cover real losses suffered by an aggrieved party, excessive damages can be viewed as punitive or unjustified. The determination of what constitutes excessive damages often involves legal scrutiny to ensure fairness and adherence to the law.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Excessive damages are primarily discussed in civil law, particularly in personal injury cases, contract disputes, and tort claims. Legal practitioners must carefully evaluate damage awards to ensure they align with established legal principles. In many instances, parties may challenge excessive damages through appeals or motions for remittitur, which is a request to reduce the awarded amount. Users can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to draft necessary documents when contesting excessive damages or seeking compensation.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A jury awards a plaintiff $1 million for a minor injury that typically results in $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. This award may be considered excessive.
Example 2: In a wrongful termination case, a court awards a former employee $500,000 for emotional distress without sufficient evidence to justify that amount. This could also be deemed excessive. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Legal Standard for Excessive Damages
California
Juries must follow guidelines to prevent excessive awards.
Texas
Caps on non-economic damages in personal injury cases.
Florida
Judges can reduce excessive awards through remittitur.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Compensatory Damages
Damages intended to compensate for actual losses incurred.
Punitive Damages
Damages awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
Nominal Damages
Small sums awarded when a legal wrong has occurred but no substantial loss was suffered.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe you have been awarded excessive damages or are facing a claim for excessive damages, consider the following steps:
Gather evidence to support your claim or defense regarding the damages awarded.
Consult with a legal professional to assess your situation and options.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to contesting excessive damages or filing motions.
Be prepared to present your case in court if necessary.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Excessive damages are often subject to legal review.
They can occur in various types of civil cases.
Challenging excessive damages may involve appeals or motions for remittitur.
Legal standards vary by state.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
Excessive damages are amounts awarded that are unreasonably high and not justified by the evidence presented in a case.
Yes, excessive damages can be challenged in court, and judges may reduce them through a process called remittitur.
You should consult with a legal professional to evaluate your case and consider filing an appeal or motion to reduce the damages.
No, punitive damages are not inherently excessive; they are intended to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct, but they can be challenged if deemed unreasonable.