The sum of money included in the damages can be compensatory damages that are calculated based on the harmed party’s actual loses, or punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoer. The term "actual damages" is synonymous with compensatory damages and excludes punitive damages. In a contract case, punitive damages are generally not awarded ...

Nominal damages are very small damages awarded to show that the loss or harm suffered was technical rather than actual. Perhaps the most famous nominal damages award in modern times has been the $1 verdict against the National Football League (NFL) in the 1986 antitrust suit prosecuted by the United States Football League.

Jul 22, 2015 · Damages that a court may award are divided into two basic types, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages return the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit to his financial position prior to the act, and punitive damages are sometimes awarded as a way to punish the defendant. To explore this concept, consider the following damages ...

Sep 12, 2024 · Nominal damages are a symbolic form of damages awarded when a plaintiff’s legal rights have been violated but they have not suffered any actual financial loss as a result. In cases where the plaintiff has been wronged but has not suffered any tangible harm, nominal damages may be awarded to acknowledge the violation of their rights.

Not every lawsuit warrants punitive damages. While juries might award substantial punitive damages, the judge can decrease the amount of punitive damages based on the amount of compensatory damages awarded (Hettinger, 2020). State laws also might limit the amount of punitive damages that a plaintiff may receive.