This is the general description of law practice where monetary compensation is sought in a civil action - in the form of damages - by an individual who has been injured or killed as a result of the wrongful conduct of another party. Such wrongful conduct may be negligent or intentional in nature. Monetary damages attempt to measure in financial terms the extent of harm an individual has suffered due to such wrongful actions. In addition to injury or death, “harm” may also include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of wages and other financial losses. The purpose of compensatory damages is to restore the injured party to the position he or she was in before being harmed. If the wrongful conduct was intentional and malicious in nature, additional damages which are punitive or exemplary in nature may be awarded.