What are punitive damages? This is a question that many people have but may be hesitant to ask.
Punitive damages are a type of civil damage that are awarded in addition to compensatory damages. They are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them and others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
In this blog post, we will discuss what punitive damages are and discuss some of the situations that may warrant an injured party to recover these types of damages. Read on to learn more.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not available in every case. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct, not to compensate the plaintiff (that’s what compensatory damages are for).
In order to recover punitive damages, the plaintiff must typically prove that the defendant's actions were intentional or showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others. For example, if a company knowingly sells a defective product that injures consumers, the company may be liable for punitive damages.
We Can Help with Your Case
If you have been injured by a medical provider’s negligence and are considering whether to seek punitive damages for the harm you have endured, you should speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney right away.
A skilled medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact our team at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and answering your questions.
If a medical professional caused your injuries and you need help with a medical malpractice lawsuit, contact the skilled attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC with the details of your case by calling (304) 605-2040 or by filling out our online contact form.