Can an arbitrator award punitive damages?

In South Carolina, an arbitrator can award punitive damages in some specific cases. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer for their actions and can be used to deter future wrongful conduct. The court may award punitive damages in a number of different circumstances, including when the defendant acted with extreme recklessness or when they committed an intentional wrong against the plaintiff. In civil cases, the court may award punitive damages in cases involving fraud, malicious conduct or wrongful acts which resulted in serious harm to the plaintiff. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in cases of gross negligence, meaning that the defendant acted with reckless indifference to the safety of the plaintiff. For example, a court may award punitive damages if a defendant drove recklessly and caused a car accident that injured the plaintiff. In cases where punitive damages may be awarded, the arbitrator must create their own standard for what punitive damages are appropriate, and this will be based on the particular circumstances in each case. The arbitrator must also consider all relevant factors in determining the award. Ultimately, each case will be evaluated on an individual basis and the arbitrator will decide if punitive damages are appropriate.

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Can an arbitrator award punitive damages?

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