Punitive Damages in New York
State-specific overview · Contract Law
New York generally bars punitive damages except in narrow statutory contexts like fraud or certain intentional torts.
How New York treats Punitive Damages
New York follows a restrictive approach and does not award punitive damages in most contract or negligence cases. Punitive damages are available in limited situations, including fraud, certain intentional torts, and violations of specific statutes. The state prioritizes compensatory damages and views punitive awards as inconsistent with its public policy in most civil disputes.
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 York.