Punitive Damages in New Hampshire
State-specific overview · Contract Law
New Hampshire allows punitive damages for conduct that is willful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of rights.
How New Hampshire treats Punitive Damages
New Hampshire courts award punitive damages when a defendant's conduct demonstrates a conscious indifference to the safety or rights of others, beyond mere negligence. The state does not impose a statutory cap on punitive damages, giving juries significant discretion in setting award amounts. Punitive damages serve the dual purpose of punishment and deterrence, and courts consider the defendant's financial resources when assessing proportionality.
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 New Hampshire.