There are different types of damages that individuals may be entitled to following a negligence-related incident results in serious injuries. However, most people only know about those that are considered economic and non-economic.
One thing that isn’t always considered is the potential for punitive damages that you may be awarded, but these only arise in very specific situations. Before you consider punitive damages as part of your lawsuit, it’s important to know when they are considered applicable.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Whereas economic and non-economic damages are clearly designed to compensate the injured party for the losses that have been experienced, punitive damages are those that are issued to punish the person who was responsible for the injuries.
Essentially, these types of damages exist in matters where the liable party goes beyond mere negligence. They are knowingly acting recklessly, and their actions cause significant harm to another party.
When Are Punitive Damages Applicable?
There are various factors that must be considered before a judge can award punitive damages to the injured party. These are the circumstances that must be involved in these types of cases:
- The negligent party acted with willful misconduct
- There was malice behind the negligent party’s actions
- The negligent party oppressed the plaintiff
- There was fraud involved
- The negligent party had no conscious regard for the negative consequences of his or her actions
Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys can help you understand if punitive damages are available in your case. We don’t have to determine the exact value, as the amount is determined as a form of punishment for the given circumstances.
With Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC by your side, you can feel confident that our team is seeking the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled. We take any matter of negligence very seriously, and we go the extra mile to guide you through the complex matters that lie ahead.
Call our firm at (888) 425-6070 to speak with an attorney.