Rule 5.120 Notice to the Department of Justice, Crime Victims’ Assistance Section, of Punitive Damages

If you win money in a lawsuit that includes punitive damages, the law requires you to tell the state about it. Punitive damages are extra money a court awards to punish someone for very bad behavior, not just to pay you back for your losses. Because part of that money often goes to the state, Oregon law says the state must be notified when this happens.

This rule explains how that notice has to be given. You need to use the official form found on the Oregon courts website. The form has to include the right information about the verdict or judgment.

After you send the notice, you also have to prove that you sent it. This rule says the winning party must file a copy of the notice with the court, along with proof that it was delivered or served properly. This keeps a clear record that everyone followed the rules and that the state was properly informed.