Are punitive damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit?

In Minnesota, punitive damages may be awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages serve to punish the wrongdoer and set a precedent that similar conduct will not be tolerated in the future. In a wrongful death case, punitive damages are only awarded if gross negligence or intentional conduct is proven. In order to prove gross negligence or intentional conduct, a plaintiff in a wrongful death lawsuit must show that the defendant showed a conscious disregard for the safety of the deceased. The aim of punitive damages is to deter the wrongdoer and those similarly situated from engaging in any similar conduct in the future. In Minnesota, there are no laws limiting the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case. However, the Supreme Court of Minnesota has imposed restrictions on the amount of punitive damages a plaintiff can recover, limiting them to a certain percentage of the compensatory damages awarded in the case. In summary, punitive damages may be awarded in a wrongful death case in Minnesota if the plaintiff can prove intentional or grossly negligent conduct on the part of the defendant. There are no limits on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded, but the Supreme Court of Minnesota has imposed certain restrictions in some cases.

Related FAQs

What is the process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?
Are wrongful death cases handled differently in different states?
Are wrongful death cases tried before a jury?
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
What is a wrongful death suit for wrongful death by criminal acts?
Who pays for medical and funeral expenses in a wrongful death lawsuit?
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
Are wrongful death damages taxable?
What is wrongful death law?
How is wrongful death by criminal act different from wrongful death by negligence?

Are punitive damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts