Under Georgia law, how can intent impact a jury's assessment of damages?

Under Georgia law, intent plays a significant role in the assessment of punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or intentional misconduct and to deter similar conduct in the future. When a jury evaluates punitive damages, they consider the defendant's state of mind and whether the actions were willful, malicious, or reckless. If the defendant acted with intent to harm or with a disregard for the consequences of their actions, the jury can impose higher punitive damages as a form of punishment.

This is distinct from compensatory damages, which aim to make the plaintiff whole by covering actual losses. While intent is relevant to determining the appropriateness of punitive damages, it does not typically influence compensatory damages, as these are based on measurable losses rather than the defendant's mental state.

Therefore, intent is a crucial factor in the context of punitive damages, allowing the jury to evaluate the severity of the defendant's conduct and to decide on the appropriate level of punishment beyond mere compensation for the victim's losses.