What type of compensatory damages are available for defective products cases?

In California, a successful plaintiff in a defective products case may be entitled to compensatory damages from the defendant. Compensatory damages may include, but are not limited to, the cost of repair or replacement of the defective product, any loss of value that the product has suffered due to its defective nature, the cost of medical treatment for any physical harm caused by the defective product, and any wages or income lost due to time off work or medical treatment associated with the defective product. Compensatory damages also may reimburse the plaintiff for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the defective product, such as transportation costs or expenses related to investigation of the defect. Additionally, compensatory damages may include pain and suffering damages, which can include emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. Finally, in some cases, punitive damages may be available if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant, rather than compensate the plaintiff, and are not available in all cases.

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