What Are Punitive Damages?

When you’re hurt in a serious accident, it may have happened because someone else was careless with your safety. Their lack of care may have left you in financial trouble, with serious injuries, and with trauma that may impact you for years. 

At Henry Dailey Law Firm, we want to see you get the total compensation you’re due, so reach out for help from a Birmingham personal injury lawyer when you’re calculating all your potential damages, both compensatory and punitive. 

Your Punitive Damages 

When you’re severely injured, the at-fault party may not have met their duty of care. That means they failed to take a basic level of care needed to avoid an accident. But they may have been more than careless in your case. They may have been wantonly negligent, or they may have even intended to harm you. 

Punitive damages may be awarded to punish the person who injured you. While your other damages cover the costs of your injuries and suffering, punitive damages are a punishment and are awarded to prevent future cases of carelessness. 

Am I Eligible for Punitive Damages? 

When you’re seeking punitive damages, you may need to prove that the at-fault party intended to harm you. This may be the most difficult part of your claim—proving intent is difficult, and you may need a lawyer to help you gather evidence that they were acting maliciously or with intent. 

There are also limits to the punitive damages you may receive for an accident. Your damages may be capped at three times the amount of your compensatory damages, or economic and non-economic damages. Otherwise, your damages will be capped at $500,000. 

Get Your Full Compensation with an Injury Lawyer 

After a serious Alabama accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. You may not have the tools you need to determine your compensation, let alone punitive damages that may be difficult to seek. 

When you’re struggling to recover after an accident, speak with a lawyer at Henry Dailey Law Firm. We have tools to help you calculate your damages. To get started with a free consultation, reach out to our lawyers by calling 205-995-2412 or by completing the online contact form below.