If damages awarded to a consumer for contractor negligence include legal fees, how are those fees calculated?

In the context of damages awarded to a consumer for contractor negligence that includes legal fees, the concept of these fees being separate from damages is significant. Legal fees are often categorized as costs that a plaintiff incurs as a result of pursuing a legal claim. They are distinct from the compensatory damages meant to cover the actual loss or injury suffered by the consumer due to the contractor's negligence.

This separation is important because it allows the court to award legal fees directly related to the case without having them factored into the compensatory damages. By treating legal fees separately, courts ensure that the consumer can seek full compensation for their losses while also addressing the financial burden of legal representation necessary to recover those losses. This practice helps to promote fairness and accountability, encouraging constructors to adhere to professional standards knowing that they may be liable for more than just the direct damages incurred by their negligent actions.