Find an experienced personal injury attorney in your state for a case review. Visit LawyerShop's national attorney directory.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another’s negligence, you may be eligible for personal injury damages. Compensation may include awards for physical, emotional, mental, and financial damages. However, in order to obtain compensation you must first file a lawsuit against the offender. Due to the potentially large sums of money at stake, it is critical to find an attorney with experience in personal injury law to help you obtain the full amount you are entitled. There are deadlines for filing, so be sure to act quickly as not to inadvertently jeopardize your rights.
There are two types of personal injury damages, compensatory damages (known as actual damages), and punitive damages (also called exemplary damages). Compensatory damages cover all expenses associated with the injury, including medical bills, physical disability, mental impairment, permanent disability, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and the repair or replacement of property. Punitive damages, on the other hand, basically serve as punishment for the offender. For instance, a plaintiff may be awarded compensatory damages as well as punitive damages if the offender behaved maliciously. This additional award is not only a punishment for the offender, but also acts as a deterrent for others.
Personal injury damages are determined on a case-by-case basis. If the defendant is found liable for injuries, the jury will decide the amount. However, if the judge overseeing the case feels that the determined amount for punitive damages is inadequate or excessive, he or she has the final say and may order a remittitur (reduction), or an additur (increase) in punitive damages without a new trial or appeal.
To find out what damages and settlement you are legally entitled to, contact a personal injury lawyer near you.