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Defining Punitive Damages

2 min read

If you’ve been involved in a personal injury incident, such as a car accident or a slip-and-fall, and believe you have enough evidence to pursue legal action, your case may involve several types of monetary damages. While economic and non-economic damages focus on compensating for tangible and intangible losses, punitive damages serve a different purpose entirely.

To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently. This involves proving four elements: a duty of care owed to you, a breach of that duty, causation linking the breach to your injuries, and the financial losses you suffered as a result. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney from 770GoodLaw can help you build a strong case by presenting persuasive evidence of these elements.

If you prove negligence in your lawsuit, the court may award you economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property repairs. Non-economic damages address intangible harm, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship.

Punitive damages, however, differ from these compensatory damages. Rather than reimbursing you for losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. They are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions go beyond mere negligence and demonstrate a willful disregard for the safety or rights of others.

Because punitive damages are not automatically included in all personal injury cases, your attorney will need to demonstrate that the at-fault party’s actions meet the high threshold required for this type of award. These damages are less common but can significantly increase the total compensation if awarded.

At 770GoodLaw, we guide clients through the complexities of personal injury lawsuits, explaining the types of damages they may be entitled to and building a case that seeks maximum compensation. If you believe your case may involve punitive damages, schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn more about your legal options and determine the strength of your claim.

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