Product Liability

Punitive Damages in Product Liability Cases

Punitive damages are non-compensatory damages that punish or discourage negative behavior; punitive damages penalize the defendant responsible for willingly acting unnecessarily in a cruel, violent, or otherwise despicable manner. Punitive damages are also referred to as exemplary damages since they make an example out of the defendant in order to hopefully prevent others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in certain cases when the defendant's behavior was particularly outrageous and are granted as a supplement to a compensatory damages award.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, you may be eligible to collect compensation for the losses resulting from your injuries, as well as punitive damages if the manufacturer's actions were malicious or willful. To find out if you are eligible to recover product liability damages, fill out our free case review form today.

Punitive Damages for Defective Product Injury Victims

In some instances, punitive damages in product liability cases are awarded to punish the defendant for their negligence. In these cases, punitive damages may be granted to discourage the defendant from continuing to create, market and release defective products. The requirements for proving fault are often specific; therefore, punitive damages are not awarded in every product liability case. In some areas, the amount of punitive damages the plaintiff can receive are limited.

Establishing the value of a punitive damages award entails dissection of the defendant's behavior and mental state at the exact time that the wrongdoing occurred. As opposed to compensatory damages, punitive damage cases allow evidence that reveals the defendant's net worth to be admissible in court. The law sometimes permits double or triple damages as a punitive measure. For example, a car dealership that "rolls back" a vehicle's odometer to show a fraudulent amount of mileage is subject to up to a payout of triple the damages. A multiplier can also be applied to damages in antitrust, trademark, patent, and consumer protection cases.

Product Liability Attorneys

Our product liability lawyers have obtained substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of consumers who were injured by faulty products. We represent individuals who were injured due to defective design, faulty manufacture and inadequately developed warning labels. Most of our product liability lawsuits stem from injuries caused by defective car parts, medical devices and prescription drugs.

At our product liability law firm, our defective product lawyers understand how to thoroughly investigate the cause of your injuries and identify all potential defendants. We can also determine whether the manufacturer or other liable party ignored or overlooked foreseeable hazards in its products. If you've been injured by a defective product, our product liability attorneys can help. To receive a free legal consultation, simply complete the form on the right.