What is the outcome for a plaintiff in a conversion case if they choose to recover the chattel?

In a conversion case, when a plaintiff chooses to recover the chattel, they may bring an action for replevin. Replevin is a legal remedy through which a plaintiff can recover possession of specific goods that are wrongfully taken or detained by another party. This action allows the plaintiff to regain their property instead of seeking monetary damages for its loss.

Choosing to pursue replevin is significant because it focuses on the right to reclaim the specific item rather than just seeking financial damages for its value. This reflects the nature of conversion, where the wrongful interference with someone's property rights prompts the need to restore possession of the actual chattel, rather than merely compensating the plaintiff with money.

The other options do not accurately capture the legal implications of recovery in a conversion case. For instance, while fee reimbursement might occur in some situations, it's not a guaranteed outcome tied to pursuing replevin. Similarly, forfeiting the right to damages or being limited only to the property value does not align with the principles of replevin, where the goal is to regain possession, not just to assess the value of the property.