A tool designed to compute the amount of interest accrued on monetary damages from the time of loss until the judgment date within the state’s legal framework. For instance, if a plaintiff is awarded \$100,000 in damages stemming from a breach of contract, this mechanism determines the additional sum owed to account for the delay in receiving compensation, calculated based on the applicable state rate.
This calculation is significant because it aims to fully compensate a party for losses incurred, recognizing the time value of money. It helps ensure fairness in legal outcomes by accounting for the economic impact of delayed payments. Historically, the allowance of such interest reflects a shift towards recognizing the real-world economic effects on plaintiffs awaiting judgment.