What are punitive damages intended to achieve?

Punitive damages are designed to achieve specific outcomes that go beyond merely compensating the victim for their actual losses. Their primary purpose is to send a strong message regarding egregious or particularly harmful behavior, thus deterring the wrongdoer and others from engaging in similar actions in the future. This aspect of punitive damages reflects society's stance against conduct that is deemed particularly harmful or reckless, promoting accountability and discouraging misconduct.

While compensatory damages focus on reimbursing an individual for losses suffered, such as medical expenses or lost wages, punitive damages serve a different function. They are not aimed at reimbursing costs like attorneys' fees or future medical expenses. Instead, they are intended to impose a financial penalty on the wrongdoer, reinforcing societal norms and encouraging more responsible behavior. This distinction highlights the unique role of punitive damages in the legal system, focused on behavior reform and public interests rather than mere victim compensation.