There are different forms of compensation involved in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are involved in some personal injury cases and can be especially complicated. Read on to learn more about punitive damages in Texas.
What Are Punitive Damages?
When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, he or she may be awarded compensation. This compensation may be awarded to alleviate some of the burdens you are facing as a result of the accident. For example, you may deserve compensation to help cover hospital bills and lost wages. In some cases, the injured party may also be awarded compensation for things like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. But, other times, the responsible party may have to pay punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish a person for injuries caused by malice or gross negligence. They are meant to deter the responsible party from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Negligence vs. egregious behavior: To better understand punitive damages, it is important to understand the difference between negligence and egregious behavior. An example of negligence may be failing to clean your property of snow and ice after a rainfall event. If someone gets injured on your property because you failed to keep your property maintained, this is an example of negligence. You did not engage in especially risky behavior, but instead, simply failed to take proper care. On the other hand, drinking and driving can be considered egregious. When someone chooses to drink and drive, he or she is aware that this is a dangerous behavior that could cause harm to another person. So, if someone gets behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated and causes an accident, this individual may have to pay punitive damages. If you believe you have been the victim of egregious behavior, rather than just negligence, contact a skilled personal injury attorney. It can be difficult to prove negligence, and even harder to prove malice or ill-will.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact our firm today to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney.
Contact our experienced Smith County, Texas firm
There are few things more jarring and disturbing than being wrongly injured in an accident. Our firm understands how difficult it can be to recuperate after a serious accident, which is why we are here to help you through the legal process, every step of the way. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, you need a skilled attorney on your side. Contact J. Chad Parker, PLLC today for an attorney who is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.