The Basics of Personal Injury Law – Compensatory and Punitive Damages

Christopher Earley | | General Massachusetts Personal Injury Information

In a personal injury case, if the victim has suffered any type of damage- whether it be an injury, property damage, or any other kind of loss, the victim (aka plaintiff) is able to seek compensation from whoever caused or contributed to the losses. Compensation is also referred to as damages.

In personal injury law, the types of damages awarded are compensatory and punitive. In general, although there are many types of compensatory damages, it can be broken into general or special damages. Compensatory damages are focused on reimbursing the injured party for the harm suffered. These damages are also used to award the plaintiff in wrongful death cases.

Additionally, punitive damages are awarded in only a small number of cases. Punitive damages are awarded to the plaintiff to punish the defendant for certain types of despicable behavior. Both types of damages are awarded to the injured party or plaintiff.

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Author: Christopher Earley
Christopher Earley

Nearly twenty years ago when I opened my practice I decided to dedicate my career to advancing the rights of injury victims against powerful insurance companies. Personally, I find great satisfaction in helping good and honest people who have been wronged due to no fault of their own. I am really proud to have earned our clients’ hard-earned trust by running a law firm our clients can always count on to do the right thing.