Major injuries can be a real hardship on the victim as well as the loved ones of the victim. There are medical bills to deal with, and there are also major life adjustments that have to be made. This is why speaking with a skilled personal injury and auto accident attorney can be so crucial to you after a major incident of some kind.
During a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will seek damages. This refers to monetary compensation from the negligent party that caused the injury to occur. There are two kinds of legal damages: compensatory damages and punitive damages. Let’s focus on punitive damages right now.
About Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are damages that are sought in order to punish the party that is responsible for the accident occurring. Specifically, punitive damages are meant to sanction the at-fault party so that this person or entity does not repeat similar actions in the future that may result in injury.
How Punitive Damages Differ from Compensatory Damages
While punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party, compensatory damages are meant to recoup actual losses sustained from an injury. These may include medial bills, damage to property, lost wages and/or earning potential, and both physical and emotional pain and suffering.
With this in mind, it is not uncommon for personal injury and car accident lawyers to seek both compensatory and punitive damages in a case.
Why Punitive Damages are Important
It cannot be stated enough: negligence needs to be punished. This means more than just covering actual losses. It’s especially important to consider against large entities, like businesses and major corporations. By punishing these large groups for negligence, it can make waves and cause others to take notice and change their practices in order to avoid the mistakes of the negligent party.
Determining the Amount of Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages which are linked to many things with actual monetary value or can be calculated with relative ease, the amount of punitive damages is not so easily fixed.
In many cases, lawyers will consider the compensatory damages as well as the punitive damages sought in other similar cases in order to arrive an amount for the punitive damages in your particular case. The severity of the injury and the circumstances that led to it occurring also need to be taken into account. Should the injury result in the death of a loved one, you can expect much higher punitive damages sought.
In the end, this value needs to be fair yet make a statement.
What Our Attorneys Will Offer You
Going it alone in a court of law is not advisable, and it’s important that you have advocates on your side who will fight diligently to ensure that you receive just compensation while your side is fully represented. Our legal team will be here for you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Speak with Our Personal Injury Lawyers
For more information about punitive damages, compensatory damages, and your many other options in a court of law, be sure to contact our New Orleans personal injury law firm today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve justice.