compensatory damages

noun

: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.
The patient sued for compensatory damages.

Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The verdict against general manager David Hammond and the bar includes $31 million in compensatory damages; $50 million in exemplary damages against the bar; and $50 million against the assailant, according to court documents. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026 Soto is seeking an unspecified amount of punitive and compensatory damages. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages of more than $15,000. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026 According to the filing, her legal team estimates total compensatory damages ranging from roughly $142 million to nearly $300 million. Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages

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Cite this Entry

“Compensatory damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensatory%20damages. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

compensatory damages

noun
: actual damages at damage 2
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