Compensatory damages are money awarded to a plaintiff (the party or person that filed the lawsuit) to compensate for damages, injury, or another incurred loss. Compensatory damages are awarded in civil court cases (like a wrongful death claim) where loss has occurred as a result of the negligence or unlawful conduct of another party. Compensatory damages can include medical bills and lost income. Heirs have economic damages that are calculated as the net pecuniary loss.
Punitive damages, or exemplary damages, are damages assessed in order to punish the defendant for willful and wanton conduct and/or to reform or deter the defendant and others from engaging in conduct similar to that which formed the basis of the lawsuit. Although not extremely common in wrongful death claims, if the defendant’s actions are egregious, punitive damages can be sought.