What Type of Damages Can You Sue For with a Civil Suit?

When you suffer harm or injustice—be it from medical negligence, breach of contract, fraud, or any other legal conflict—pursuing compensation through a civil suit is often a viable and effective solution. The primary goal of such litigation is to secure financial redress for damages incurred. To successfully navigate the complexities of these legal proceedings, the expertise of a seasoned civil litigation lawyer is indispensable. At Karrass Law in Toronto, led by the skilled Robert Karrass, our team delivers robust legal advice and representation, empowering you to achieve the compensation you rightfully deserve. With our guidance, you can confidently address the intricacies of civil suits and optimize the outcome of your case.

To understand more about the types of damages you can pursue by filing a civil suit, read on or book a lawyer consultation with the Karrass Law team.

Compensatory Damages

The most common form of damages sought in civil lawsuits, compensatory damages, are intended to make the plaintiff "whole" again. Essentially, these damages are meant to cover what was lost so the plaintiff can recover financially. Compensatory damage can be broken down into two subcategories: actual and general damages.

Actual damages are intended to reimburse the plaintiff for economic losses directly tied to the specific incident. This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses directly connected to the incident. A civil litigation lawyer at Karrass Law can help you itemize these losses and ensure that every potential area of compensation is considered and fought for. 

General damages, on the other hand, cover non-economic losses, which are not as easily quantifiable. These include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of companionship or quality of life. Legal advice from an experienced civil litigation lawyer at Karrass Law is key to calculating damages, as they are subjective and vary greatly from case to case. Our experience with a range of civil cases and our deep understanding of civil law allow our team of legal experts to provide strategic, effective and tailored legal guidance that enhances your case. 

To learn more about what you can get in damages, book a consultation with our lawyers online or in person. 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages in Ontario are awarded not for the purpose of compensation but rather to reprimand the defendant for particularly harmful behaviour and to deter similar future conduct. These are not granted in every case and are typically reserved for actions involving malice, fraud, or gross negligence. A civil lawyer can assess the merits of seeking punitive damages based on the specifics of your case. If you've fallen victim to fraud, from Ponzi Schemes to credit card scams, consider filing a legal suit to pursue punitive damages with our civil fraud lawyers at Karrass Law. To explore punitive damages as it relates to your case, book a legal consultation with Robert Karrass. 

Statutory Damages

Ontario law may prescribe statutory damages for certain legal violations, where the amount of compensation is predefined by legislation. This is common in cases involving consumer protection breaches or copyright infringements, where statutory damages are intended to simplify the compensation process and deter wrongdoing. Consultation with a defence lawyer can clarify whether statutory damages apply to your situation and how they might influence your litigation strategy.

Nominal Damages

In instances where there is a clear legal wrong but it has not resulted in significant damage or loss, nominal damages may be awarded. These are symbolic damages that affirm the plaintiff's rights were infringed upon despite the absence of substantial harm. A civil lawyer in Ontario can help determine whether pursuing nominal damages makes sense as a declaration of principle in your case.

Restitution

Restitution is particularly relevant in Ontario for cases where the plaintiff seeks to recover what was lost due to the actions of the defendant. Restitution might involve returning property or compensating for its value. Common in contractual disputes/contract breaches and property theft, restitution aims to restore the plaintiff to their original position before the breach or wrongdoing. Legal advice from a knowledgeable and experienced civil litigation lawyer at Karrass Law will be crucial in proving ownership and value.

Determining Which Damages to Pursue with a Civil Litigation Lawyer 

Deciding which damages to seek involves a thorough analysis of the case details, a deep understanding of the legal landscape in Ontario, and strategic planning. This is where the expertise of a defence lawyer and a civil lawyer at Karrass Law is critical. When you book a legal consultation with Robert Karrass and our legal team, you can count on personalized legal advice. Our team is transparent about strategy and our approach. Based on the details of your case and your interests, we will provide you with insight on the best damages to pursue with our civil litigation lawyers in Toronto. 

Fight for What's Rightfully Yours with Legal Advice and Karrass Law

Understanding the types of damages available in Ontario civil litigation helps in effectively pursuing justice and compensation. Protect your rights and seek compensatory damages with reliable, skilled, and experienced civil lawyers at Karrass Law. Our team is here to support your best interests.

To get started, book a legal consultation. 

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