Punitive Damages and How Orange County Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you're involved in an accident due to someone else's reckless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. While compensatory damages aim to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, there’s another type of compensation called punitive damages. These are often awarded in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future actions. What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages go beyond compensating the victim. They are designed to punish the defendant for particularly egregious actions and to serve as a deterrent to others. These damages are typically awarded in cases involving gross negligence, malicious intent, or intentional harm. Examples include drunk driving, deliberate harm, or grossly unsafe conduct that endangers others. The purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the victim but to send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. How Can an Orange County Ac...