When you suffer a personal injury that results in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain, you may be entitled to receive damages. Damages is a term used to describe the monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff after making a successful personal injury claim. If you have been injured in a car accident, by assault, or as any other result of someone else’s negligence, then you may be able to recover damages with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
There are two main types of damages: compensatory and punitive damages. Both types are paid by the defendant to the claimant.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory, or actual, damages are used to reimburse or make up for the injured party’s losses. Under tort law, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damaged or lost property are all covered by compensatory damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve the sole purpose of reprimanding and reforming the defendant. They are awarded to the plaintiff in an effort to deter the offender from taking the same course of action in the future. Typically, punitive damages are awarded when the action taken was especially destructive or harmful.
Contact Us
If you have suffered a personal injury and would like to learn more about the different types of damages you may be able to claim, then the New York City personal injury lawyers of The Orlow Firm can help. Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.