Texas does impose caps on how much a person can claim in damages—that is, damages awarded as a punishment rather than compensation. These come under the category of exemplary damages, and they are separate from compensation awarded as repayment for economic and non-economic damages.

In Texas, punitive damages cannot exceed more than two times the amount of economic damages and the amount equal to non-economic damages, which cannot exceed $750,000 or $200,000, whichever is greater. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded 1.5 million dollars to cover economic costs and 3 million for non-economic damages, punitive damages cannot exceed $3,750,000.

If you have been injured in an accident as the result of the negligence or recklessness of another, then you deserve justice; you deserve compensation for all that you have been through.

The costs of personal injury

Being in an accident can turn your entire life upside down. If you have been severely injured, then you will have to spend weeks or even months in the hospital, and may even have to undergo a long and painful rehabilitation process. This all costs money.

Even when you have recovered and are ready to return to work, you may have to reduce your hours or take a lower-paying position. This kind of financial strain can further affect your health and that of your family. It is right that the person responsible for your condition be made to compensate you for it.

How a lawyer can help

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide you with the help you need to put your life back together. Although there are caps on the amount of money you can claim for punitive damages, your lawyer can develop a legal strategy that will maximize the amount of money you receive in economic and non-economic damages.

The first thing your lawyer will do is sit down with you and have you recount the circumstances that led to your accident and all that happened after it. This will form the basis of the approach they will take to your case.

Getting justice

The main aim of your lawyer is to help you get justice. The case may not go to trial. Faced with overwhelming facts showing them to be in the wrong, the person you are suing may decide to settle. If this happens, your lawyer can negotiate a settlement that is commensurate with all that you have had to endure.