Louisiana Law Now Allows Recovery of Exemplary Damages in Domestic Abuse Cases

Louisiana law allows recovery of punitive damages only if specifically provided by statute. Thus, before this legislative session, in Louisiana, punitive damages were recoverable only in cases involving child pornography, criminal sexual activity with minors, and intoxicated drivers. Act 315, which becomes effective on August 1, 2014, now provides victims of domestic violence the right to seek punitive damages.