Punitive damages are primarily awarded for which type of acts?

Punitive damages are primarily awarded to punish a defendant for particularly harmful behavior and deter others from committing similar acts in the future. They are typically reserved for intentional acts that are deemed to demonstrate a high degree of wrongdoing, such as malice or willful misconduct. This is because punitive damages serve a different purpose than compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate the victim for actual losses.

In cases involving intentional acts, the aim is not only to provide the victim with compensation but also to make a broader statement about the conduct being addressed. Such awards are often seen in cases of extreme negligence that goes beyond mere carelessness, indicating deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others. This heightened standard underscores the severity of the behavior and the need for a punitive response to discourage similar future conduct.