What are compensatory and punitive damages?

Compensatory damages are awarded to plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits to repay them for certain losses they have suffered. They can include compensation for medical treatment, lost income, property repairs, and so on. They may also include compensation for less tangible losses, like pain and suffering.

In some cases, the courts decide that the compensatory damages awarded to a plaintiff are not enough to ensure that the defendant’s mistakes will not be repeated. This may happen when the defendant’s actions were especially egregious or deliberately malicious. In such cases, courts can award additional punitive damages, which are payments to the plaintiff meant to penalize the defendant.

If you have been injured by a negligent party, our Phoenix injury compensation attorneys can inform you of the damages to which you may be entitled. Contact the Law Offices of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.L.C. at 800-763-0964.

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