Punitive Damages in Maryland
State-specific overview · Contract Law
Maryland permits punitive damages for intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct, with no statutory cap on awards.
How Maryland treats Punitive Damages
Maryland law allows punitive damages when a defendant acts intentionally, recklessly, or with gross negligence that demonstrates a conscious disregard for the rights of others. Unlike some states, Maryland does not impose a statutory cap on punitive damages awards, giving juries broader discretion in determining amounts. The plaintiff must establish the defendant's culpable conduct by clear and convincing evidence. Maryland courts emphasize that punitive damages should be proportionate to the severity of the misconduct and the defendant's financial resources.
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 Maryland.