What type of damages can be awarded for a tort that involves malicious intent or extreme misconduct?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to punish a defendant for particularly egregious behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. They are awarded in cases where the tortious action involves malicious intent, willful misconduct, or gross negligence. This type of damage goes beyond compensating the plaintiff for actual losses incurred and serves as a form of societal condemnation of the wrongful conduct.

In contrast, special damages refer to actual economic losses suffered by the plaintiff, such as lost wages and medical expenses. General damages address non-economic harm, like pain and suffering, but do not focus on punishment. Nominal damages are a small amount awarded when a legal wrong has occurred without any substantial loss, primarily acknowledging that a right was violated. Thus, punitive damages stand out as the proper form for addressing torts characterized by malicious intent or extreme misconduct, which is why this option is the most appropriate choice.