Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/2-1207 – Punitive damages
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The trial court may, in its discretion, with respect to punitive damages, determine whether a jury award for punitive damages is excessive, and if so, enter a remittitur and a conditional new trial.
The trial court may also in its discretion, apportion the punitive damage award among the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s attorney and the State of Illinois Department of Human Services. The amount of the award paid from the punitive damages to the plaintiff’s attorney shall be reasonable and without regard to any contingent fee contract, except that such amount shall not exceed the amount authorized by the contingent fee contract. In apportioning punitive damages as provided in this Section, the court shall consider, among other factors it deems relevant, whether any special duty was owed by the defendant to the plaintiff.
The trial court may also in its discretion, apportion the punitive damage award among the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s attorney and the State of Illinois Department of Human Services. The amount of the award paid from the punitive damages to the plaintiff’s attorney shall be reasonable and without regard to any contingent fee contract, except that such amount shall not exceed the amount authorized by the contingent fee contract. In apportioning punitive damages as provided in this Section, the court shall consider, among other factors it deems relevant, whether any special duty was owed by the defendant to the plaintiff.
Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/2-1207
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- State: when applied to different parts of the United States, may be construed to include the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" may be construed to include the said district and territories. See Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 70/1.14
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.