Punitive Damages vs. Compensatory Damages
If you are successful in filing a personal injury claim, the judge or jury will determine the amount of damages you are to receive. In legal terms, damages are the sums used to repay the plaintiff for different kinds of losses. For example, if you have been injured in a car accident, you may receive damages for medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages.
The amount you receive in damages can depend heavily on the quality of your legal representation. To discuss your claim with an experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer, contact the offices of Todd Miner at 407-420-4040.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are meant to make the plaintiff “whole,” which means restoring you to the health and financial status you enjoyed before the accident. Of course, this is not always possible, but a personal injury settlement should come as close to this goal as it can. The kinds of compensatory damages you may be able to receive include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost income due to missed work and/or reduced earning capacity
- Any property repairs you have needed as a result of the accident
- Disability, physical pain, and emotional anguish
- Loss of a loved one’s companionship and financial support (in a wrongful death claim)
Compensatory damages can help you rebuild your life following a major injury. Orlando personal injury lawyer Todd Miner is committed to helping clients win the full amount they need to move on.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always awarded in a personal injury claim. They are meant to penalize especially reckless or callous behavior; accordingly, they are also known as exemplary damages. They can serve two purposes: punishing an egregiously negligent party, and discouraging other individuals or businesses from making the same negligent errors in the future.
Punitive damages are generally awarded when the courts decide that compensatory damages are not adequate to help the plaintiff and punish the defendant. If your injuries were caused by unusually careless actions, we will fight to help you win the damages you deserve.
Contact Us
Orlando personal injury lawyer Todd Miner approaches each case with knowledge, years of legal experience, and a passion for justice. To discuss what our law offices can do for you, contact us today at 407-420-4040.