Know More About Punitive Damages In A Tort Claim

When you’ve been injured as a result of the behavior of someone else, you may be able to sue that person for monetary compensation. In other words, you can legally go after that person for money to pay for damages. Damages, in a case like this, mean financial compensation. The financial compensation is based on what is needed to get you, the injured person or plaintiff, back to your original level of health.

Other Types of Financial Compensation

Financial compensation for injuries is the most common type of money plaintiffs sue for in the event of an injury. Some try to file for punitive damages, which are also called exemplary damages. Punitive damages are rarely granted and only if the defendant is found guilty of inconceivable behavior or of doing something categorized as evil. This means for punitive damages to be awarded, it has to be proven that the defendant did something highly cruel to injure the plaintiff.

The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer. Regular financial compensation is meant to help the injured party recover or to live as full a life as possible again after the accident. Punitive damages are meant to cause financial pain for the defendant as punishment for doing something that is considered cruel. The goal is that if punitive damages are significant enough, they’ll act as a deterrent to the defendant and others and make them think twice about repeating a similar unacceptable behavior.

Punitive damages are generally high for this reason. It’s meant to send a clear message that the behavior that led to the plaintiff’s injury will not be tolerated and that the consequences of doing so are severe. Punitive damages are rarely awarded the victim exclusively and they may be added to compensatory damages. The financial amount of the punitive damages depends on the severity of the injury, the level of loss to personal health and life, how the defendant reacted to the situation and the amounts of money given to plaintiffs in similar situations. Your injury lawyer in Brantford can help.

Understanding Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are the main type of damages and include obvious costs like necessary medications, medical costs, any necessary assistive devices, and costs associated with getting to and from medical and rehabilitation appointments. It also covers costs to damage of property and the loss of property that is a direct result of the incident.These types of damages also include some of the things that are difficult to put a financial value on. This includes anxiety and counseling, overall mental health, and ongoing and future pain. It also includes loss of income due to missed work when the person who has been injured is unable to do their regular job for a certain period of time or permanently as a result of the injury.

It’s important to seek financial compensation if you’ve been significantly injured. A serious injury can impact quality of life right down to the types of hobbies or sports that person once enjoyed before the injury.