Torts & Personal Injury Flashcards

Which is an example of economic compensatory damages?

Answer: Medical bills and lost wages

Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as medical costs and lost income.

Punitive damages are awarded primarily to:

Answer: Punish egregious conduct and deter others

They punish and deter reckless or malicious conduct rather than compensate.

Strict liability in tort most classically applies to:

Answer: Abnormally dangerous activities

Abnormally dangerous activities such as blasting carry liability without proof of fault.

Under the 'eggshell plaintiff' rule, a defendant:

Answer: Takes the plaintiff as found and is liable for the full extent of harm

A defendant is liable for unforeseeable extent of harm caused to a particularly vulnerable plaintiff.

Under joint and several liability, a plaintiff may:

Answer: Collect the full judgment from any one liable defendant

Each jointly liable defendant can be held responsible for the entire judgment.

After a workplace injury at a facility, which step best supports later liability defense?

Answer: Promptly documenting the incident and preserving evidence such as video

Prompt, accurate documentation and preserved evidence protect the organization and avoid spoliation claims.

Workers' compensation generally acts as:

Answer: The exclusive remedy for covered employee workplace injuries against the employer

Covered employees generally trade tort suits against employers for no-fault benefits.