Damages awarded under negligence are primarily intended to do what?

In negligence cases, damages are awarded with the primary aim of compensating the victim for the losses or injuries they have suffered as a result of the wrongdoing. This means that the damages serve to restore the injured party, as much as possible, to the position they would have been in if the negligence had not occurred. This could encompass various types of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The focus on compensation reflects the underlying principle that the law seeks to remediate harm rather than punish the offender. While punitive damages can occur in some cases to deter wrongful behavior, this is not the primary purpose of damages in negligence claims. Instead, the main goal is ensuring that the victim receives fair restitution for their losses, thereby fulfilling the remedial function of tort law. This approach aligns with the broader principles of justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing the impact of negligence on individuals rather than serving as a punitive measure against the wrongdoer.