What type of damages is awarded to punish the wrongdoer rather than to compensate the injured party?

Punitive damages are awarded with the primary purpose of punishing the wrongdoer for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter others from committing similar acts. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the injured party for their actual losses, punitive damages go beyond mere compensation and focus on addressing the wrongdoer’s misconduct. These damages are often awarded in cases where the defendant's actions are found to be willfully negligent or malicious. This serves the dual purpose of seeking justice for the affected party and maintaining deterrence in society by signaling that certain behaviors are unacceptable and will result in significant financial penalties.