What kind of damages can successful plaintiffs recover in intentional employment discrimination cases under the Civil Rights Act (1991)?

In intentional employment discrimination cases under the Civil Rights Act (1991), successful plaintiffs can recover both compensatory and punitive damages.

Compensatory damages are awarded to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses suffered as a result of the discrimination. This includes compensation for lost wages, benefits, and any emotional distress or damages related to the impact of the discrimination on the victim's life. The aim is to restore the plaintiff to the position they would have been in had the discrimination not occurred.

Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the employer for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are awarded when the employer's actions are found to be malicious, reckless, or in disregard of the rights of the individuals affected.

The combination of both types of damages reflects the law’s intent to address both the actual harm caused to the individual and to send a message to employers regarding the seriousness of discriminatory practices. Thus, under the Civil Rights Act (1991), plaintiffs have a pathway to recover a broad range of damages that address both compensatory needs and punitive outcomes, illustrating the law’s strong stance against employment discrimination.