So, The Other Driver Was Drunk?

If you are injured in an automobile accident, you are entitled to compensatory damages. Compensatory damages compensate you for your loss. Therefore, if you lost time at work, or incurred medical expenses, you are compensated or reimbursed for your lost wages or medical expenses. If you suffered pain and suffering, you are compensated for your pain and suffering. 

Therefore, compensatory damages reimburse you for your injury and your losses.
Punitive damages, on the other hand, are damages assessed against the wrongdoer to punish the wrongdoer. For example, if an individual intentionally drove his automobile into you, and caused you injury, you are entitled not only to compensatory damages, but to punitive damages from the wrongdoer for the obvious intentional act that caused you injury.

This year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that if you are injured by a drunk driver, you can obtain punitive damages from that wrongdoer. The court recognized that intentionally driving a car while incapacitated because of booze or drugs ins misconduct which should be punished.

Therefore, if you are injured in an automobile accident which caused by someone who was drunk, you may be entitled to not only compensatory damages, but to punitive damages as well.
Remember to call us whenever you are injured so we can assess, preserve and protect your legal rights.