In only a minority of states a jury may award punitive damages if a defendant's tortious conduct is intentional and outrageous.

Punitive Damages

Financial compensation awarded to a plaintiff to punish the defendant for egregious misconduct and dissuade similar future behavior.

Intentional

Done with purpose or deliberation; not accidental or unintentional.

Outrageous

Describes actions or behaviors that are shocking, extreme, and exceed the bounds of decency in a societal context.