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DRAFT FOR ATTORNEY REVIEW — NOT FINAL

Haddad v. Gonzalez, 576 N.E.2d 658 (1991)

Citation
Haddad v. Gonzalez, 576 N.E.2d 658 (1991)
Parent Document
Haddad v. Gonzalez, 576 N.E.2d 658 (1991)
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts (state)
Effective Date
1991-08-12

Other Sections in This Document (154)

Full Text

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The purpose of the multiple damages provision of c. 93A is no mystery. The provision reflects "the Legislature's displeasure with the proscribed conduct and its desire to deter such conduct and encourage vindicative lawsuits." McGrath v. Mishara, 386 Mass. 74, 85 (1982). According to the principal draftsman of the statute, the damages provisions of c. 93A are intended to remove economic disincentives to consumer *876 actions, which typically involve small dollar amounts. Rice, New Private Remedies for Consumers: The Amendment of Chapter 93A, 54 Mass. L.Q. 307, 317 (1969). Thus the statute provides for liquidated minimum damages and attorneys' fees as well as double and treble damages. C. 93A, §§ 9 (3) & (4). However, the multiplication of damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress does not serve the purpose of transforming petty lawsuits into cost-justified ones. Because such damages are available only for severe emotional distress, infra at 13-15, Payton, supra, Agis, supra, such claims by definition are significant, and it is unnecessary to augment the damages to fulfil the aim of the provision.