While helping make the injured party whole through compensatory damages is always our job, in certain circumstances additional damages to punish bad conduct are available.
These are called punitive damages that are intended to serve three purposes: to punish the defendant for their conduct, to discourage the defendant from doing it again, and to serve as a warning to prevent others in the community from doing the same thing. The third purpose helps protect us all in the community and perhaps the most important. It is the jury’s time to speak loudly through numbers to keep our loved ones safe.
Punitive damages can be available in some cases involving intoxication, violence, physical attacks, or sexual assaults. It is important to keep in mind that every case is different and sometimes punitive damages may not be awarded.
If you are unsure about your case and the kinds of damages that you could potentially be compensated for, reach out to us for a free consultation. At ReidGoodwin, we are passionate about helping our clients get the help they need and protecting our community. For more information, check out our website!
