Compensatory vs Punitive Damages – Should You Pursue a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit?
June 11, 2024Vital Information to Help You Decide
When considering whether or not to file a claim for personal injury lawsuit, understanding the differences for compensatory vs punitive damages is essential. Many people wonder, should I file a claim? There is no definite answer to this question except, it depends. It depends on your injuries. It depends on the number of parties.
It depends where you file your lawsuit. It depends on the backlog of the specific court where you are filing. In essence, a personal injury claim or lawsuit may take months or years to resolve. But even if you file a lawsuit, it doesn’t mean there will be a trial. There can be a settlement or some alternative dispute resolution procedure that takes place to bring closure to your lawsuit.
Personal Injury Attorney for Compensatory Damages and Punitive Damages
Every injury, every case and situation is unique, so your first step is to call Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat for a consultation. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys will examine all the factors involved in your case and your injuries, determine if you have a personal injury case, and then guide you through the process. If you want to get a better idea of your chances at compensatory damages or punitive damages then working with our team of professionals is the best place to start.
Compensatory vs Punitive Damages
If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence (fault), you may be eligible for financial compensation. A personal injury damage award may include two types of damages: compensatory damages and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages are awarded to the injured person because of the negligence of another person. Damages are used to compensate an individual who suffers a physical or mental injury. They include economic and non-economic damages; your attorney can explain that to you more fully.
What Are Punitive Damages?
In Pennsylvania, punitive damages are not awarded on a regular basis. In fact, there has to be certain factors that warrant such an award. Your attorney can explain that to you more fully as well. Overall, the purpose of awarding punitive damages is to punish the defendant and deter others from committing similar acts. Punitive damages were originally created to address extraordinary circumstances involving outrageous and reckless conduct.
Determining Punitive Damage Eligibility
Traditionally, Pennsylvania Courts have very narrowly construed the circumstances in which the application of punitive damages may be considered. However, the scope of cases where punitive damages may be eligible to be awarded may be widening, and that the standard for sustaining them may be easing. It all depends on the facts of the case. In our evaluation of your case, we will determine if a claim for punitive damages is warranted and whether the facts support such a claim. If you believe that you were wrongfully injured by another party, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible. We can help you get started.
How to Choose the Right Local Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney, such as Attorney Gabriella H. Farhat, will help you get maximum compensation in your personal injury case and offer guidance throughout the process. As Lancaster County’s premier personal injury attorneys, the Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC is committed to assisting you during this vulnerable time.
We understand that choosing a lawyer is difficult, but it shouldn’t be; we know how to handle your case with compassion and understanding.
Start with a Consultation Today
Please contact Attorney Gabriella Hashem Farhat, our personal injury lawyer, and her dedicated, trained, seasoned staff of the personal injury team if you’ve been injured in an accident and get the process started.
This correspondence/blog should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situation and legal questions.