When someone is injured due to the negligence of another party, they will often hire a New York City personal injury lawyer to fight for the financial compensation they need to heal. However, in certain rare cases, financial compensation is insufficient, particularly when the defendant exhibited morally reprehensible behavior in the process of causing the injury. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable New York City personal injury lawyer to learn more about the difference between punitive damages and compensatory damages. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is the difference between punitive damages and compensatory damages?
In most personal injury claims, those who’ve been wrongly injured in an accident (the plaintiffs) will sue the defendants or their insurance companies for their injuries. These damages are to help the plaintiff recover compensation to help cover the cost of their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. On the other punitive damages are not awarded to the plaintiff, and instead, they are awarded to punish the defendant for his or her actions. That being said, to win a personal injury claim, an individual will have to prove that they were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence. However, to be awarded punitive damages, proving negligence is not enough–you will have to prove willful and wanton negligence on the part of the defendant, or that the defendant showed a complete disregard for your safety. That being said, each case is unique, so you must hire an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and determine the best route forward.
How long will I have to file a claim for an injury in New York State?
When someone is injured due to the negligence of another party, it is critical that they abide by the state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is essentially the window of time that injured parties have to take legal action against the party responsible. If you were injured in an accident in New York State, you will have to take legal action against the liable party within three years of the date of your accident. Failing to do so will most likely relinquish your right to sue. The sooner you bring your claim to our firm’s attention, the better off you will be. We are ready to assist you today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
