Can a plaintiff in a defamation case collect punitive damages?

In North Carolina, punitive damages may be available in a civil defamation case. Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. In North Carolina, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant acted with actual malice or with reckless disregard for the truth in order to be eligible for punitive damages. In a North Carolina defamation case, a plaintiff must prove two key elements to win: (1) the defendant published a false statement to someone other than the plaintiff, and (2) the false statement was defamatory. To prove actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant either knew the statement was false or showed a reckless disregard for the truth by acting negligently. If the plaintiff can prove these elements, then they may recover damages, including compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are awarded to provide a remedy for any actual losses suffered. This includes damages for harm to reputation, injury to feelings, and any other damages resulting from the defamatory statement. Punitive damages are awarded over and above these compensatory damages to further punish and deter the defendant. In North Carolina, punitive damages are only available for cases where the defendant acted with actual malice or reckless disregard. The plaintiff must show that the defendant knew their statement was false or acted negligently, in order to be eligible for punitive damages.

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Can a plaintiff in a defamation case collect punitive damages?

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