(a) If it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant, an agent of the defendant, or a person acting on behalf of the defendant with the defendant's knowledge committed one or more violations of a section described by Section 247.001, the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for damages in an amount of $1,000 for each violation.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 41.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a court shall award damages under Subsection (a) to the plaintiff irrespective of whether the plaintiff is awarded actual damages.