Damages in torts: which statements are true?

• A. Plaintiffs must prove actual damages; punitive damages may be available for especially egregious conduct in some cases.
• B. Nominal damages are the sole remedy in torts.
• C. Damages are never required in negligence cases.
• D. Only punitive damages are available.

Answer: (A)

In tort law, the main idea is to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses. The baseline remedy is compensatory (actual) damages that cover proven harms like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages aren’t automatic; they’re reserved for especially egregious conduct—things like intentional wrongdoing or reckless disregard for others—to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. Nominal damages can be awarded when a tort has occurred but there’s little or no actual loss, but they aren’t the only remedy. In negligence cases, you typically must show actual harm to obtain damages, rather than recovering nothing just because a breach occurred. The other statements—claiming nominal damages are the sole remedy or that only punitive damages are available—don’t fit the standard framework.