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What type of damages aims to punish the wrongdoer?

  1. Compensatory damages

  2. Punitive or exemplary damages

  3. Special damages

  4. General damages

The correct answer is: Punitive or exemplary damages

Punitive or exemplary damages are specifically designed to punish the wrongdoer for their actions and deter others from committing similar offenses. These damages go beyond compensating the victim for their losses, serving as a form of financial penalty aimed at the defendant's behavior. The rationale behind punitive damages is to address particularly egregious or malicious conduct, which warrants a response that not only compensates the victim but also sends a clear message about the seriousness of the offense. Compensatory damages, on the other hand, are intended purely to make the victim whole, covering actual losses like medical expenses and lost wages. Special damages refer to compensation for specific out-of-pocket expenses, while general damages often cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering. None of these types of damages carry the punitive intent that characterizes punitive or exemplary damages.