What kinds of damages can a person recover in a defamation lawsuit?

In a defamation lawsuit in California, a person may recover various types of damages, including both general and special damages. General damages are awarded to compensate for non-monetary losses, such as emotional distress and harm to their reputation. Special damages, also known as compensatory damages, are paid for out of pocket losses such as lost wages, lost business opportunities, and medical expenses. In addition to general and special damages, California law also allows for punitive damages. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the person for any losses, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages also may be awarded if the person acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. In some cases, the defendant may also have to pay the plaintiff’s attorney fees and other court costs. An award of these damages depends on the particular circumstances of the lawsuit. Finally, a plaintiff can also receive non-monetary remedies in a defamation lawsuit, such as an order that the defendant retract or correct any false or misleading statement, or an injunction prohibiting the defendant from making additional false or defamatory statements.

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What kinds of damages can a person recover in a defamation lawsuit?

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