What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages?

Compensatory and punitive damages are two types of financial awards available in the state of Washington in personal injury law. Compensatory damages are intended to financially reimburse a person for losses such as medical expenses and lost wages resulting from an injury. Punitive damages are intended to punish a wrongdoer for their actions, as well as to deter future similar behavior. Compensatory damages are awarded based on the actual costs incurred by the injured person, such as medical bills and lost wages. In addition, they can include money to compensate for things like mental and emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are a larger, extra amount of money awarded to an injured party beyond compensatory damages. The amount of money awarded is based on the maliciousness or recklessness of the wrongdoer’s behavior. It is not based on the actual costs incurred by the injured person but is instead a more symbolic amount intended to punish the wrongdoer and to discourage similar behavior in the future. In the state of Washington, compensation for personal injury is based on an individual’s losses, and those losses can be significant. Whether it’s compensatory or punitive damages, an injured person may be able to receive financial reimbursement or punishment for the wrongs committed against them.

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What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages?

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