Punitive Damages: What Are They and When Are They Awarded

Punitive damages are damages awarded to the injured party to punish the wrongdoer for their outrageous conduct. Awards of punitive damages are made when the actions of the wrongdoer are wanton, reckless, malicious or oppressive. If you have been injured in a car wreck or auto accident involving a drunk driver or were injured by a product that the manufacturer knew was dangerous but did nothing to fix, then you may have a claim for punitive damages in addition to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Carter Stein