When are compensatory damages typically awarded to a plaintiff?

Compensatory damages are awarded to a plaintiff specifically to reimburse them for losses that have directly resulted from the defendant's actions. This type of damages is intended to restore the injured party to the position they would have been in had the harm not occurred. These damages can cover both economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.

In this context, other options do not accurately define when compensatory damages are awarded. For instance, an admission of guilt by the defendant may influence the case but does not automatically lead to an award of compensatory damages. Similarly, while compensatory damages can certainly be awarded after a jury trial, they can also be granted in other circumstances, such as during a bench trial or through negotiated settlements. Lastly, the absence of a settlement may lead to a trial, but it is the direct causal link between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s losses that is the key factor in awarding compensatory damages.