What Is Restitution?
Restitution seeks to compensate people who have been injured or suffered loss because of another person's conduct. Restitution will be awarded only for out-of-pocket expenses caused by the offender¿s conduct. Restitution will only be granted if the amount can be calculated with certainty (based on evidence). What Are Common Examples of Restitution in Civil Cases? Restitution can be awarded in many types of civil cases. Some common examples include: - Personal Injury: For example, a victim who sues for damages for an assault can get restitution for medical expenses and loss of wages, but not for emotional distress. Emotional distress may be caused by the offender, but it is not an out-of-pocket expense.
- Contract: For example, two parties make a contract and then one party breaches the contract. Both parties can recover restitution for any out-of-pocket expenses they incurred in preparing to perform the contract.
- Benefits Received: In some instances if a party has conferred a benefit onto another party, the party giving the benefit can be awarded restitution. For example, if you injure yourself in the act of pushing someone out of the way of an oncoming car; your medical expenses can be reimbursed if you sue that person for restitution.
- Violation of any civil laws that cause injury to others.
How Do I Get Civil Restitution?If you are seeking restitution, you need to include this claim in your initial complaint. If you are forced to pay civil restitution, it may be unjustified. In either case, please talk to an experienced attorney to learn more about restitution issues. An experienced attorney will give you the best probability of getting restitution (or avoiding it!). |
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