Q: How likely is it a court will impose punitive damages without physical injury in a breach of contract case?
My employer has breached our written contract in excess of 350 times, and continues to do so.. If I'm able to bring it to trial, how likely is it that a court will impose a punitive judgement in addition to any compensatory amounts? My employer's actions are willful and egregious, but there is no bodily injury involved, only the mental anguish of working for a horrible boss which goes on everywhere these days!
A: It is my suggest that you speak with an employment law attorney in your area. The ability to get punitive damages is complicated and must be presented with proper steps. In my opinion your question is too complicated to properly answer in this type of forum.
Glenn B. Manishin agrees with this answer
A: Punitive damages are not awarded for breach of contract, even with malicious conduct, and most employment agreements include liability limitations in any event. You will likely need to bring a tort claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a difficult claim on which to prevail. I concur with Andy that you should consult a lawyer to analyze the case and give you advice covered by the attorney-client privilege.
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