Punitive damages are damages assessed against an employer in order to punish the defendant for their bad conduct, and to deter future similar conduct. Since punitive damages are to punish the employer for misconduct, the amount of the damages is determined according to what would have an impact on the business. For example, if a jury assessed $20,000 in punitive damages against Apple, it would be considered very little. However, a $20,000 punitive damage award against a small restaurant might be enough incentive never to be involved in that type of situation again. Punitive damages are awarded to sexual harassment victims if you can demonstrate that the harassment was perpetrated by a managing agent officer or director of the company.…Read More