Punitive Damages

While compensatory damages are designed to compensate the victim, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer for engaging in the conduct which caused the injury. In some states, the punitive damage award is placed into a state-controlled pool to help victims of crime, etc. In Tennessee, the victim actually receives the punitive damage award. So, if punitive damages are awarded in your case, then you will receive that money in addition to your compensatory damage award.

Because punitive damages are quasi-criminal in nature, a heightened burden of proof is required to establish entitlement to punitive damages. The burden of proof is best defined as the amount of evidence necessary to win your case. For punitive damages, the burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence (rather than the preponderance of the evidence required for compensatory damages). While clear and convincing evidence is a greater burden of proof than preponderance of evidence, it is not quite as high as the burden of proof required in a criminal case (beyond a reasonable doubt).

In addition, punitive damages can only be awarded if you prove the wrongdoer acted recklessly, knowingly, maliciously or intentionally. It is not enough to simply prove negligence.

Punitive damage law is complex, but the award-winning attorneys at The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. are experienced in successfully handling punitive damage issues. We are proud of the results we have achieved for our clients and we would like to help you and your family too. If you or a loved one has been injured, and you would like to discuss your case, contact us online or call us at 615-742-4880 or toll-free at 866.812.8787. We handle all injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency basis which means we only get paid if we recover money for you.

More Punitive Damages Information:

Client Reviews

So let us start out with this - the few firms we contacted prior to John Days Office were not even willing to listen to the situation and circumstances surrounding the...

David H.

The Law Offices of John Day have been exceptional to work with on my case. I have worked primarily with Thomas Mihalezo and his para-legal, Natalie Primm, for the bulk of...

Deb D.

A year ago, I was involved in a car accident that was not my fault. The Law Office of John Day was referred to me by another attorney. Rachael Booker and Vada Newman were...

Jeffery B.

Other attorneys said my case was too difficult under Tennessee law. John Day's office had confidence and took the case. I received a significant settlement in ~ 6 months...

Jonny

From my initial call with Penny to my numerous communications with Rachel, the professionalism, efficiency, and compassionate way in which my case was handled was the...

Lisa C.

I love the law office of John Day. They treat you with respect, you feel like a family to them. They take time not only to listen to your case also they make you feel...

Reginald P.

I would give John Day Law ten stars if I could. They started working with me the very day they agreed to take my case and whether I was working with an attorney or one of...

Sandra C.

I definitely recommend the staff at The Law Offices of John Day! Not once did we have to call to inquire if they were working on our case. Alexandria and Natalie were...

Tracey J.

Everything was great. You guys are a great representative. I was satisfied with everything. Truly appreciate John Day and his hard-working staff.

Jamar Gibson

We thought that you did an excellent job in representing us in our lawsuit. We would recommend you to anyone.

Mitch Deese

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is, without a doubt, the best in Nashville! They treated me with the utmost respect and tended to my every need. No question went...

Anthony Santiago

I would definitely recommend to anyone to hire John Day's law firm because everyone was helpful, made everything clear and got the job done. I am satisfied with how my...

June Keomahavong

It's been a long battle but this firm has been very efficient and has done a remarkable job for me! I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. Everyone...

Linda Bush

I had a great experience with the Law Offices of John Day. The staff was very accommodating, and my phone calls/emails were always responded to in a timely manner. They...

Casey Hutchinson

The office stuffs of John Day law firm made my injury case with State Farm stress free. They were very professional and respectful. My attorney was accessible anytime I...

Margaret

Submit a Law Firm Client Review