Different types of compensation may be available in a personal injury lawsuit. You may have the right to recoup your expenses, and you could also be eligible for compensation for your emotional or physical damages. In rare situations, you may even seek punitive damages in a Mankato car accident case.
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases, but a judge may determine that they are appropriate for a jury to consider under certain situations. At Maschka Personal Injury, based in Mankato but serving surrounding areas, our car collision attorneys can review the facts of your case and determine if punitive damages might be available.
Punitive damages are a special category of compensation awarded in certain Mankato car accident cases—not to reimburse the victim for damages, but to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or intentional behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, punitive damages are designed to send a strong message that certain conduct will not be tolerated.
To qualify for punitive damages after a car wreck, you must show clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with deliberate disregard for the rights and safety of others, going beyond simple negligence. These damages are rare, but when awarded, they can significantly increase the total value of a car accident claim and deter similar conduct in the future.
Mankato courts are often reluctant to allow plaintiffs to make a claim for punitive damages in car accident cases. A plaintiff cannot allege a claim for punitive damages when they bring a lawsuit. Instead, they must present evidence of the bad conduct and make a motion to the judge asking for permission to be able to make a claim for punitive damages. Because plaintiffs must meet a high standard of proof, judges do not always allow for a plaintiff to make a claim for punitive damages.
This is usually reserved for situations so extreme that the law requires an example to be made.
When it comes to motor vehicle collisions, the courts typically look for aggravating factors. The most common of these in a personal injury case is a car collision involving a drunk driver.
Punitive damages in Mankato car wreck cases are not tied to your losses. Instead, they are calculated based on the severity of the defendant’s misconduct and the need to deter similar behavior in the future. There is no cap on these damages under state law, nor is there a formula for calculating what is appropriate.
However, juries may consider certain factors when awarding punitive damages. These include:
The goal is to impose a financial penalty significant enough to discourage future misconduct without being excessive.
While punitive damages can substantially increase the value of a claim, they are only awarded in rare cases. Our skilled attorneys can help determine whether your case meets the legal threshold.
If you have been injured in a catastrophic motor vehicle crash, you may have grounds to seek punitive damages. However, courts do not frequently order these types of damages, as they are reserved for the most extreme cases. Contact us today to discuss punitive damages in a Mankato car accident and whether they may be available in your case.
