damages /dam′ijəs/ [L, damnum, loss] , (in law) a sum of money awarded to a plaintiff by a court as compensation for any loss, detriment, or injury to the plaintiff’s person, property, or rights caused by the malfeasance or negligence of the defendant. Actual damages are awarded to reimburse the plaintiff for the loss or injury sustained. Nominal damages are awarded to show that a legal wrong has been committed although no recoverable loss can be determined. Punitive damages exceed the actual cost of injury or damage and are awarded when the defendant has acted with malice or reckless disregard of the plaintiff’s rights.
