After an accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages from the at-fault party. Generally, this includes both economic damages and non-economic damages. However, in some cases, punitive damages are also available. While the opportunity to recover punitive damages is somewhat rare, they can be valuable when available.
Keep reading below to learn more about what punitive damages are and when you may be able to recover them.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded in Missouri?
Punitive damages are a special type of damages available only in a select number of accident cases. These damages do not compensate the victim for a loss. Rather, they are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful behavior. Punitive damages are only available under specific circumstances.
According to Missouri law, the injured party must show:
- The defendant intentionally caused harm without just cause, OR
- The defendant acted with deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.
This must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, which is a higher standard than the typical preponderance of the evidence standard used for proving negligence. It’s not enough to show that the defendant made a mistake—they must have known their behavior posed a serious risk and ignored that risk anyway.
Examples of Cases That May Warrant Punitive Damages
Here are some scenarios for which punitive damages may be awarded:
- A drunk driver causes a crash with injuries.
- A company knowingly sells a defective product that leads to harm.
- A nursing home staff member physically abuses a resident.
- A driver engages in a high-speed police chase through a residential area.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine whether punitive damages may be awarded in your case.
Missouri’s Cap on Punitive Damages
Missouri law limits punitive damages to the greater of:
- $500,000, OR
- Five times the amount of compensatory damages awarded.
However, this cap does not apply in certain cases—most notably, when the defendant is convicted or pleads guilty to a felony related to the act that caused the injury. In those situations, the amount of punitive damages is left to the court’s discretion.
How Punitive Damages Differ From Other Types of Compensation
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are intended to make victims whole, punitive damages are meant to penalize especially reckless or malicious behavior. They’re awarded on top of compensatory damages, and only when the defendant’s conduct crosses a high threshold of wrongdoing.
In other words, punitive damages are not about making up for medical bills or lost income. They’re about sending a message — both to the defendant and to the public — that certain behavior will not be tolerated under Missouri law.
Proving the Need for Punitive Damages
Evidence that can prove the need for an award of punitive damages includes:
- Prior complaints or warnings ignored by the defendant
- Charges tied to the same conduct
- Internal documents showing deliberate indifference to risk
- Testimony that highlights patterns of dangerous behavior
These cases are fact-intensive and often require skilled legal strategy to meet Missouri’s elevated burden of proof.
The Broader Purpose of Punitive Damages
Punitive damages aren’t just about holding someone accountable for reckless conduct—they also help encourage safer behavior across the board. When a person or company faces serious financial consequences for ignoring risks or endangering others, it sends a strong signal that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated.
In cases involving large businesses or manufacturers, these damages can even prompt industry-wide change. Sometimes, lawsuits reveal a pattern of neglect or a long history of cutting corners. When those facts become public knowledge, it can result in higher safety standards and more responsible decision-making.
Punitive damages also reflect how seriously society takes harmful conduct. Standard compensation may help a victim recover from their losses, but in extreme cases, it’s important to go a step further. These additional damages help reinforce shared values and show that the legal system does not tolerate those who exhibit complete disregard for the safety of others.
Contact a Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The best way to get all the compensation you are owed after an accident is to get help from an experienced Missouri personal injury lawyer. The team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your claim and determine whether punitive damages are available.
Contact us today at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation and let us help you recover compensation for all your damages.