When it comes to personal injury cases, there are two types of damages that may be awarded: compensatory and punitive. It is important to understand the difference between the two, as they can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case. A personal injury lawyer can help explain the differences and provide guidance on how to best pursue a claim.Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the injured party for their losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the injury.
These damages are designed to make the injured party “whole” again, or as close to it as possible. Compensatory damages are typically awarded in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the wrongdoer for their actions. These damages are not intended to compensate the injured party, but rather to send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases where the wrongdoer’s actions were particularly egregious or malicious.
It is important to note that punitive damages are not always available in personal injury cases. In some states, punitive damages are limited or prohibited altogether. A personal injury lawyer can help determine if punitive damages may be available in your case. When pursuing a personal injury claim, it is important to understand the difference between compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the injured party for their losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for their actions.
A personal injury lawyer can help explain these differences and provide guidance on how best to pursue a claim.