Torts Commons^™

Punitive Damages In Wrongful Death, Gary N. Holthus

Cleveland State Law Review

Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, smart money, or vindictive damages, are damages awarded to a plaintiff on a finding of malicious, fraudulent, willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by a defendant, indifferent to the rights and safety of others. The purpose of exemplary damages is to protect the public from reckless, willful acts and to punish the wrongdoer