Inadequate Damages: What They Mean for Your Legal Case
Definition & Meaning
Inadequate damages refer to compensation awarded in a legal case that fails to fully address the injuries or losses suffered by the plaintiff. These damages do not reasonably reflect the extent of the harm and may indicate errors or biases in the jury's decision-making process. When damages are deemed inadequate, they are often considered unreasonably low and may not meet the legal requirements for compensation. In some instances, this can lead to a new trial being granted to reassess the damages awarded.
Legal Use & context
The term "inadequate damages" is commonly used in civil law, particularly in personal injury and breach of contract cases. It highlights situations where the compensation awarded does not align with the actual damages incurred. Legal practitioners may encounter this term when evaluating jury verdicts or negotiating settlements. Users can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to draft documents related to damages claims or to seek a new trial if they believe the awarded damages are inadequate.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A plaintiff sues for damages after a car accident, proving medical expenses of $50,000. If the jury awards only $10,000, this could be considered inadequate damages.
Example 2: In a breach of contract case, a business claims $100,000 in lost profits due to a supplier's failure to deliver goods. If the court awards only $20,000, the damages may be deemed inadequate. (hypothetical example)