Punitive damages, also referred to as compensatory damages, are criminal damages that a judge or jury may impose on a plaintiff to hurt and disgrace the defendant.
Punitive damages are normally only awarded in the most extreme cases, such as breaches of contract with sufficient proof of oppression, fraud, gross carelessness, or malice. In such instances, the plaintiff may obtain punitive damages in addition to real losses as an example and to further punish the wrongdoer.
Typically, punitive damages are tightly tailored to the number of compensatory damages already given, such as medical expenditures and lost earnings, and take the defendant’s wealth and capacity to pay into account.
In contrast to compensatory damages, which may be paid for by an insurance company, punitive damages are typically paid for by the party against whom they are imposed.
Punitive damages are only available in many nations if the offensive behavior was the result of a tort (an offense against an individual) rather than a violation of the contract.
There are many lawyers from different law firms that can help you understand everything about punitive damages.
What Are Punitive Damages, and When Do You Have a Claim for Them?
Damages are a necessary component of any personal injury lawsuit. The majority of personal injury lawsuits center on compensatory damages, which are intended to recompense the plaintiff for the harm inflicted by the defendant. However, in some cases, a personal injury plaintiff may be allowed to seek both compensatory and punitive damages. Continue reading to find out more.
What Purpose Do Punitive Damages Serve?
Punitive damages are a special sort of harm attainable only in a few limited conditions. Punitive damages serve two critical purposes:
Unacceptable behavior must be sanctioned. Punitive damages are used to penalize the wrongdoer for egregious behavior.
For more information on what types of activities qualify for punitive damages, see “When are punitive damages available?”
Set a positive example. Punitive penalties are usually referred to as “exemplary” damages since they also serve as a deterrence to the offender and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of Someone Else’s Negligence?
Whether you and anybody you know about has been wounded in Pennsylvania due to the negligence of another, you have rights. The greatest thing you can do is call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
While Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a case, the sooner you start preparing for a future lawsuit, the better. If you wait too long, any evidence connected to the accident may be tampered with, making it more difficult to establish.
For more than years, the educated and caring attorneys at Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer have advocated for personal injury clients.
Our attorneys at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers, P.C. understand the complexity of Pennsylvania State Law and will know how to properly design a case to help you receive justice. We firmly believe in victims’ rights and will fight tenaciously to assure their protection. Numerous Philadelphians have looked to Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer for assistance in the aftermath of an accident or injury throughout the years. Give us a call immediately or message us online to understand more about how to file a case or get compensation and/or punitive damages for your pain. We provide a free initial assessment for any type of personal injury.
