What is the purpose of interim payments in civil proceedings?

• A. They are an advance payment in respect of likely compensation to avoid hardship while waiting for judgment.
• B. They are a final settlement of the claim.
• C. They are only available after judgment.
• D. They are punitive damages for the defendant.

Answer: (A)

Interim payments are funds ordered or agreed during the litigation to be paid before the final decision, acting as an advance on the amount of damages likely to be awarded. They aim to prevent real hardship by covering things such as medical treatment, loss of earnings, and daily living costs while the case is ongoing. They are not the final settlement, and the final award may be higher or lower, with the interim amount usually taken into account when calculating the final damages. They are not punitive; their purpose is to provide necessary support, not to punish the defendant.