Personal Injury Attorney Hamilton

The Role of Punitive Damages in Florida

In most personal injury cases, compensation is designed to make the victim whole again, covering their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But in some limited circumstances, an additional type of compensation called punitive damages may be awarded.

Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim. Instead, their purpose is to punish a wrongdoer for particularly outrageous or reckless behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

To be awarded punitive damages in Florida, we must prove that the defendant’s actions were the result of “willful misconduct, malice, oppression, or conscious indifference to consequences.”

For example, if a drunk driver causes a crash, a court might award punitive damages to punish their reckless choice to get behind the wheel.

These damages are rare, and the criteria for them are strict. However, they can be a powerful tool for holding grossly negligent parties accountable.

If you believe your injury was caused by particularly reckless behavior, contact Florida Advocates today for a free consultation. We can determine if punitive damages may be an option in your case.

Personal Injury Attorney Hamilton

If you need to file a claim with the help of experienced insurance dispute lawyers, give us a call today at 754-290-3803.