When it comes to a personal injury case, there are different types of compensation that may be awarded. The most common types of compensation are awarded for economic damages and non-economic damages. In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Read on to learn more about punitive damages in Maryland.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded for quantifiable burdens. For example, you may be awarded compensation for hospital bills and other medical bills. It is no secret that hospital bills can quickly become overwhelming, and you should not have to pay for another party’s negligence. Additionally, if you are out of work recovering from your injury, you may recover compensation for lost wages. Economic damages are also awarded for things like property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
In some cases, the injured party will be compensated for the physical and mental burdens he or she now faces due to the injury. For example, compensation can be awarded for pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of independence among other things. These damages can be harder to obtain because they are not quantifiable.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are not meant to award the injured party, but rather to punish the negligent party and deter him or her from engaging in this behavior in the future. Punitive damages are rare because they are only awarded in cases where the negligent party is found guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice. A common example in which punitive damages may be awarded is in the case of a drunk driving accident. In this case, the driver got behind the wheel of a car knowing the danger of his or her choices. This is more than just simple negligence. In a personal injury case, you must prove that your accident was caused by some sort of negligence. This can be difficult to do, so proving that there was malice or ill-will involved is even more complicated. As a result, you will need the help of an experienced and dedicated attorney. In some states, there is a cap on how much can be awarded in punitive damages, but in the state of Maryland, there is no cap.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligence, contact our firm today. We are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED MARYLAND FIRM
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented injured clients throughout the state of Maryland for almost 30 years. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
