What kind of situation generally warrants punitive damages? If no one was seriously injured (by that I mean no one admitted to the hospital with injuries) do the courts generally award punitive damages?That's only if the judgement is AWARDED for punitive damages, which is rare. But if they are awarded, it's supposed to suck for you - that's why it's a punishment.
So an insurance company will cover "general damages" but not punitive? The insurance company has offered to settle with the other party but they are asking for punitive damages. The insurance company said they do not cover punitive damages.punitive damages are generally not awarded unless the courts see intentional acts that cause damages. Do not confuse punitive damages with general damages such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages are awarded to specifically punish egregious acts.
My grandson was in a wreck almost two years ago. He was impaired and got arrested. No one seemed to be hurt very bad in the accident but the people he hit did go to the ER. After more than a year he got word they were suing him. The insurance company had attorney's that contacted him and got depositions. My grandson tells me that the attorney's for the insurance company told him that they had offered a settlement but she wouldn't settle and was suing for punitive damages. The insurance company told him he might have to hire his own private attorney. That is all I know.Insurance CAN'T cover punitive damages, if they did it wouldn't be punishment.
Now, want to tell us what happened?
Those are the only "facts" I know. Fact 1. He was in a wreck while driving impaired and hit another car. He was arrested, fined, and is on probation. Fact 2. The occupants of the other vehicle were apparently not seriously injured as no one was hospitalized. Fact 3. They are suing for punitive damages and would not settle with the insurance company for general damages only.Without the facts, there is no issue. If a theoretical opinion on punitive damages is appropriate, there are a lot of resources on-line. If different, provide the facts.
so after 20 years the SOL is up?A judgment is good for 20 years so the judgment holder can take there time till you do have the funds.