What Are Punitive and Compensatory Damages?


Compensatory damages will reimburse all the economic and non-economic losses an accident victim suffers because of another person’s negligence. Alternatively, punitive damages do not reimburse an accident victim’s losses but penalize the responsible party for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

When you retain our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Valiente Mott to represent you in your accident and injury lawsuit, you can be sure that we will fight to recover all available damages that you may be entitled to recover under Nevada law. This would include both punitive and compensatory damages.

If you are seeking experienced attorneys in Nevada or Utah call us today for a FREE Consultation!

What amount of punitive damages are you entitled to recover under Nevada law?

If your injuries are the result of someone else’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Nevada law allows you to claim $300,000 in punitive damages if your compensatory damages are $100,000 or less–or three times the amount of your compensatory damages award if that award is more than $100,000. To justify a punitive damages claim, your lawyer must show clear and convincing evidence that the negligent party acted willfully or wantonly.

What kinds of losses are included in compensatory damages?

An experienced Las Vegas injury claims attorney will seek both economic and non-economic compensatory damages, including full reimbursement for:

  • All actual and anticipated future medical expenses associated with injuries sustained in an accident
  • Costs and expenses associated with commuting to and from physician appointments
  • All wages and salary that an injured party is unable to earn while recuperating from injuries
  • The replacement value of all damaged property
  • The value of an injured party’s pain and suffering, including the loss of their ability to enjoy their life due to the severity of any injuries.

Unlike punitive damages, compensatory damages reimburse the injured accident victim for their actual losses. Punitive damages, if available, will penalize the party that caused the accident for conduct that substantially exceeds the norms and standards expected of members of society.

Call Valiente Mott in Las Vegas for a free consultation

Call our Las Vegas offices of Valiente Mott as soon as possible after you suffer serious injuries in an accident to speak directly with a Nevada injury claims attorney. They can assess your right and opportunity to collect compensatory and punitive damages from the negligent party that caused your losses. We offer complimentary case analysis, and you pay no upfront fees for our services.

If you have a question or you are just not sure about putting together a case, let our Injury Law Firm help with your concerns.  No fee unless we win.

Awards & accolades