Sustaining injuries in an accident can be an incredibly overwhelming and upsetting event for anyone. Not only do you have to deal with the immediate pain and suffering, but you can also be left to juggle expensive medical bills and an inability to work. As such, victims of personal injuries are entitled to seek compensatory and punitive damages from the negligent party. The following blog explores what you must know about these matters and why connecting with a Broward County personal injury attorney is essential to recover compensation for the injuries you’ve endured.
What Are Compensatory and Punitive Damages?
When someone is injured due to the negligence of another party, they can experience several losses, also known as damages, because of the other person’s actions. These damages are known as non-economic and economic damages. Non-economic losses represent subjective damages, like a loss of enjoyment of life or humiliation, while economic damages refer to monetary losses like medical bills or property damage. As a whole, economic and non-economic losses are considered compensatory damages because they represent actual losses suffered by the victim that deserve compensation.
Punitive damages, on the other hand, are much more rare. Unlike compensatory damages, which reward the victim directly for the suffering caused by the defendant responsible for their injuries, punitive damages are a means of punishment. Though the plaintiff will be awarded the funds, they are not used to pay back the victim for the losses they’ve suffered but to punish the victim and deter others from the same actions. Generally, these are only awarded in instances in which the defendant’s actions were extraordinarily egregious.
What Should I Do Following an Accident to Recover Compensation?
Whether you are in a car accident, the victim of unsafe premises, or attacked by an animal, understanding the steps you must take to protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve is critical. Generally, the most important thing you must do when hurt is seek immediate medical treatment for the injuries you’ve sustained. Even if they do not seem bad, calling emergency services is critical. Not only does this help ensure you are treated for the injury, but it also helps establish medical care. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can impact your settlement, as the defendant may claim the injuries you sustained weren’t severe as you did not need immediate medical care.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the factors that can influence the compensation they receive after a personal injury, meaning they are less likely to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company of the negligent party. As such, to ensure you have the best chance are getting the compensation you deserve, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney.
At the Finizio Law Group, we understand how complex recovering from a personal injury can be, which is why our team is committed to fighting for you. Contact our team today to discuss your circumstances and discuss your circumstances further.
