Recovering Punitive Damages

Most personal injury cases seek out compensation for medical expenses and lost wages; however, in some situations, the claimant tries to receive punitive damages, as well. Punitive damages are typically much larger than compensatory damages, as they are intended to punish the defendant for their negligent behavior. Despite controversy, punitive damages are recognized in court and are occasionally granted to victims of egregious negligence.

If you or someone you know has suffered because of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled compensation for your losses. Contact the Harrisburg personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. to discuss the details of your case with a qualified representative. Call 610-667-7511 to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Reason for Punishment

Typically, punitive damages apply to persons who are filing a claim against a larger entity, such as a corporation. The purpose for punitive damages is to provide incentive for the defendant to alter their actions to prevent further injury. In many cases involving corporations, it is cheaper for them to pay claimants’ compensatory fees than it is for them to fix the problem.

For example, if a corporation’s waste is poisoning a town’s water supply and it injures people, they may file a personal injury claim against the corporation. However, the compensation for the claimants’ injuries and lost wages will not make a dent in the corporation’s multi-million dollar worth. In fact, compensatory fees may be a mere fraction of what it would cost to find an alternative for poisoning the water supply.

Courts may award punitive damages to encourage corporations to resolve the problem instead of continuing to harm people and subsequently settle out of court.

Contact Us

If you have suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence, consult the Harrisburg personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511 to determine your legal options.