Damages

Where a plaintiff has suffered an injury caused by defendant's wrongful conduct, but where the plaintiff is unable to establish proof of a compensable loss, nominal damages may be awarded. This is typically a very small sum such as a dollar, and is meant to be symbolic. Nominal damages are usually awarded only after a plaintiff tries but fails to prove compensatory damages in a case where a real injury ocurred, or where there has been a technical invasion of rights or a breach of duty but no substantial loss or injury.