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As experienced wrongful death lawyers based in Pennsylvania, today we are discussing an important aspect of wrongful death cases: punitive damages. What are punitive damages, and how do they impact the value of your case?
Understanding Punitive Damages
Simply put, punitive damages are additional sums of money awarded by a jury to punish the wrongdoer for their outrageous and reckless conduct. These damages are not just about compensating you for your loss but also about holding the wrongdoer accountable and deterring similar future behavior.
The Impact of Punitive Damages
From my experience, nothing upsets a jury more than learning that a tragic death could have been prevented. For example, if an individual or entity had prior knowledge of a hazardous condition, such as a dangerous intersection that had been reported multiple times, and failed to take corrective action, this negligence can fuel a jury’s desire to award punitive damages. The sense of outrage and the need for accountability drive juries to act decisively.
Differentiating Economic Damages
In a wrongful death case, economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost earnings. These are calculable and straightforward. Punitive damages, however, are designed to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future misconduct. They are awarded in addition to economic damages and can significantly increase the overall compensation.
Real-Life Examples
In Pennsylvania, there have been instances where juries awarded extraordinarily high punitive damages. One notable case resulted in an almost billion-dollar verdict due to the wrongdoer’s gross negligence and failure to address a known dangerous condition. While no attorney can guarantee specific outcomes, we at Tully and Tully are committed to exploring every angle to uncover potential punitive damages in your case.
How We Can Support You
At Tully and Tully, we manage wrongful death cases with the utmost care and compassion. We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for you and your family. Our goal is not just to represent you but to listen to your story and fight tirelessly for justice.
We pride ourselves on our personalized approach, treating each case with the respect and attention it deserves. Our Google reviews often highlight our compassionate and caring nature, reflecting our genuine commitment to our clients.
If you are dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one and believe punitive damages may be applicable, we invite you to reach out to us. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for your family.
Our main focus is honesty. We always preach it. We are passionate about trying to help any injured person or family member with their case. Questions about the blog? CALL US!
Bernard Tully Allegheny Wrongful Death Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700 and 1-800-518-0050
