Many people who have been the victims of a crime in which they’ve been injured usually focus on seeking justice by having the perpetrator arrested. If the victim is a resident in a nursing home and has been abused or neglected by a staff member, then they may be able to file a suit to receive compensation for the injuries they suffered. If you or loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse, you need to consult a personal injury attorney in Allentown, PA to discuss seeking compensation for any injuries.
Types of Compensation
There are two categories of compensation you can receive when injured by another party through negligence or intent: compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are granted to people who have been injured in accidents by malpractice, neglect, or during the commission of a crime to reimburse them for any harm they have suffered. They may be compensated for medical expenses, missing work, and other damages. A personal injury attorney can review your case and discuss the compensatory damages he or she may be seeking in your case.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in most injury cases because they are meant to be used as a form of punishment for the wrongdoer. These damages are usually awarded to the victim if the acts of the wrongdoer were found to be reprehensible and/or fraudulent. If a crime or act of fraud causes financial harm to a victim or victims, then punitive damages may be rewarded as a deterrent, especially if the wrongdoer is financially well off.
People who have been injured in auto accidents, slip and falls, the victims of medical malpractice, or abused while in someone’s care such as at a nursing home, should consult a personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for damages that they have suffered.
