What Are Punitive Damages in Wisconsin?

When you’re hurt by someone else’s negligence, your main concern after healing is likely how you’re going to get the compensation you deserve for your damages. You shouldn’t have to pay for the damage someone else caused, so you and your lawyer may already be pursuing that compensation.

However, you may also believe that the person acted especially wrong. You’re injured because they were acting way out of line, and you want to see more than compensation. In this case, you may be seeking punitive damages.

What are punitive damages in Wisconsin? Understanding state-specific laws will make a difference in your claim, so reach out to a lawyer from the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg if you’re struggling with your damages and what you can do about them.

How Punitive Damages Work

When you’ve been injured, you should receive compensation for the financial and non-financial losses you’ve suffered. These damages are called compensatory damages, and they’re meant to help you recover from the suffering you’ve experienced.

Punitive damages aren’t like this. Instead, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer by adding on further fees for their actions. Typically, these damages are only awarded when the responsible party has been grossly negligent beyond what is considered normal.

These damages are meant as both punishment and as a deterrent. For example, if you knew that certain levels of negligence would mean more punishments, you may act more carefully. Although punitive damages aren’t commonly awarded, these damages can prevent similar accidents from happening by punishing the responsible party for acting so negligently.

Wisconsin’s Damages Cap

However, these damages will be limited. Although your compensatory damages should cover your accident-related expenses, punitive damages are rarer and more difficult to seek out. You’ll need to fight harder to prove that you should receive these damages.

Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to receive $200,000 or twice your compensatory damages. That means that, even if you believe you should receive more punitive damages, your claim will be limited.

Your time to act is limited, too. Make sure you file your claim within three years of your accident, or you may lose your chance for compensatory and punitive damages.

That’s why you’ll need to start off by discussing your claim with an attorney. They can review the damages you’ve suffered and the actions of the responsible party. From there, they can help you build a case against them and get the punitive damages you deserve for your injuries and suffering.

Contact an Attorney about Wisconsin Punitive Damages

When you’re struggling with your personal injury claim, you may be concerned about the types of damages you’ll receive. What are punitive damages in Wisconsin, for example, and what can you do to earn them?

If you’re not sure whether you’re entitled to punitive damages for your suffering, reach out to an attorney at the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg for help. We can review your claim during a free consultation. During this meeting, we can go through the claims process and help you determine whether punitive damages is a reasonable request for your case.

If you have questions about your damages, seek out guidance from our lawyers. We can be reached by calling 414-271-7007 or by filling out the online form below.