What is the purpose of damages in tort law?

The purpose of damages in tort law primarily revolves around the concept of restoring the victim to their original position before the harm occurred. When a tort is committed, it typically results in some form of injury or loss to the victim, whether that is physical, emotional, or financial. Damages are awarded to compensate the victim for these losses, helping them recover the costs incurred and addressing the suffering caused by the tortious act.

In many cases, the aim is to put the injured party in a situation that is as close as possible to how they would have been had the tort not occurred. This can include compensating for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. The central idea is restoration and compensation rather than punishment or prevention of future wrongs.

While other options mention punishment, prevention, and determining liability, these do not encapsulate the fundamental purpose of damages, which is primarily aimed at compensating the injured party. The focus on restoration highlights the remedial nature of tort law, which is designed to address the consequences of wrongful acts rather than serving as a means of enforcing legal standards or establishing liability between parties.