While personal injury cases focus on the financial recovery of compensatory damages, some injured parties are also entitled to receive punitive damages. However, only a judge or jury can award punitive damages at a trial. If a case settles out of court, punitive damages won’t apply.
Punitive damages are appropriate in cases in which the at-fault party acted especially reckless or without regard for public safety. For example, a drunk driver causing a car accident or a car thief trying to elude law enforcement might end up owing the victim punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. If you think punitive damages might apply in your case, discuss them with your The Villages personal injury lawyer. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and prevent the same future behavior from them or others, not to compensate the victim as compensatory damages do.