Have you been the victim of another’s carelessness and irresponsibility? If you’ve made the decision to seek legal representation, you may be able to seek punitive damages on top of compensatory damages. Certain cases involve a level of negligence so high, that paying a simple settlement may be the least of the defendant’s problems. Personal injury cases are prime examples of these types of cases. If you feel you’ve been the victim of purposeful negligence, bordering on maliciousness, it’s important that you speak with a personal injury lawyer Iowa professional as soon as possible.
Compensatory and Punitive
The circumstances of some personal injury cases may cause the courts to consider punitive damages, or exemplary damages. Compensatory damages focus on the compensation of the victim, while punitive damages seek to punish the one responsible. To a judge or jury, compensatory damages may be a fair enough punishment for the defendant. However, if the courts deem a defendant guilty of gross negligence and blatant disregard for the plaintiff’s safety, their punishment will probably be more severe. A defendant who finds them-self on the receiving end of this ruling can expect hefty compensations to the victim, and a good dose of embarrassment.
Help Others as Well as Yourself
Punitive damages aren’t designed to simply punish, but to reform and deter the defendant from committing another negligent act. Malpractice is a common personal injury case, and in some instances, can result in punitive damages paid to the victim. In this case, the courts might take it a step further and have the practitioner’s license revoked, but the idea is to take a strong deterrent and preventative approach. If you feel your injury was the product of another’s carelessness, a personal injury lawyer professional can help you ensure the same thing doesn’t befall another individual.
The Law Offices of Neifert, Byrne, & Ozga, P.C., can assist you in filing a personal injury claim. They have experience in public law cases, fighting on behalf of injured individuals, and getting them the compensation they deserve.
