What are damages called that are intended to punish the wrongdoer?

Damages intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future are known as punitive damages. These types of damages go beyond merely compensating the victim for their losses and serve a specific role in the justice system to impose additional penalties on the offender for particularly egregious behavior. By awarding punitive damages, the court aims to send a message that unacceptable actions will not be tolerated, encouraging individuals and entities to adhere to legal and ethical standards.

In contrast, compensatory damages focus on reimbursing the victim for actual losses suffered, statutory damages arise from violations of statutes with predetermined amounts, and remedial damages are often linked to correcting a particular situation rather than punishing the wrongdoer. This distinction highlights the unique purpose of punitive damages in promoting accountability and responsible behavior.