Punitive Damages in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Contract Law
Connecticut permits punitive damages for fraud and intentional torts, but not for negligence or breach of contract.
How Connecticut treats Punitive Damages
Connecticut courts award punitive damages primarily in cases involving fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional torts, but generally deny them for ordinary negligence or contract breaches. The plaintiff must establish the defendant's wrongful conduct by clear and convincing evidence. Connecticut does not impose a statutory cap on punitive damages, allowing juries significant discretion in determining appropriate amounts. The defendant's wealth and ability to pay are factors courts consider when assessing punitive damages.
The general definition of Punitive Damages
Extra money awarded to punish wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct.
Punitive damages go beyond compensating you for your actual loss; they're meant to punish the other party for especially bad behavior and discourage similar conduct in the future. These are rare in contract cases and more common in situations involving fraud, gross negligence, or intentional harm. The amount can be much larger than your actual damages because the goal is deterrence, not just making you whole.
Read the full Punitive Damages entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.