A wrongful death lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT knows that although it is not common to win punitive damages, it is possible given certain circumstances. Your lawyer can help you determine if you should file for punitive damages. This happens only when your loved one’s death was caused by a person’s actions that were so reckless and egregious, the court determines they must be punished so that they (and others) never act in that manner again. When attempting to file for punitive damages, it is important to understand that various circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death will affect the number awarded, including the defendant’s financial state as well as what type of misconduct they committed.
Filing a wrongful death claim is difficult, especially as you continue to grieve the loss of your loved one. If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim and are wondering if the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death warrant punitive damages, reach out to Rasmussen & Miner to learn more.