If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. The type and amount of compensation are dependent upon a few different factors. In some cases, the injured party can also be awarded punitive damages. So, what are punitive damages? When are they awarded? Read on to learn more about punitive damages in Connecticut.
Economic vs. Non-Economic
Compensatory damages are paid to the plaintiff to alleviate the financial, physical, and emotional burdens brought on by the accident. The most common forms of compensation are economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages- These damages are meant to help the injured party with things like medical bills, in-home care, physical therapy expenses, and more. You may also receive compensation for things like lost wages or property damage. These are quantifiable burdens. This means that you can show the court receipts and documents showing how much you had to pay as a result of your injury.
Non-economic- On the other hand, you may also be awarded compensation for your physical and emotional burdens. In some cases, a plaintiff will be awarded for things like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of independence.
Every case is different, so the type of compensation involved will vary. In some rare cases, the injured party may also receive punitive damages.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are not compensatory. Instead, they are awarded in an attempt to punish the defendant and deter him or her from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded in Connecticut?
Punitive damages are rare because they are only involved in cases where there is proof that the defendant acted with gross negligence, maliciousness, or exhibited reckless indifference. For example, if a drunk driver permanently injures or even kills an individual, the driver may be required to pay punitive damages. In this case, the driver knew the potential consequences of his or her actions and chose to drive anyway, putting lives in danger.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Connecticut personal injury accident, contact our firm today for more information. We are here to walk you through all of your personal injury matters.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
