What are 'Damages'?
A simple definition of the monetary award in a lawsuit.
In a lawsuit, "damages" refers to the money awarded to a person who has been harmed by the unlawful actions of another. The purpose of a damages award is to compensate you—to put you back in the same financial position you would have been in if your employer had not broken the law.
There are many types of damages, including back pay, emotional distress damages, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the specifics of your claim. Calculating these damages can be complex.
To learn more about the different types of damages and how they are calculated, please see our detailed guide: [Link to the comprehensive "A Detailed Guide to Calculating Damages" article]