Punitive Damages in Houston Personal Injury Lawsuits

In some Houston injury cases, the court may consider awarding punitive damages based on how serious the behavior was. These damages are not available in every case and are only meant to punish someone for extreme recklessness or intentional harm. 

Our firm can help you figure out whether punitive damages might apply in your case. Your knowledgable Houston personal injury lawyer with The Doan Law Firm can explain what the law allows and whether it could be part of your claim.

What Qualifies a Personal Injury Case for Punitive Damages in Texas

Not every personal injury case in Texas qualifies for punitive damages. These awards are only considered in specific situations where the conduct involved was more serious than ordinary negligence. The requirements are strict, and these claims are handled differently from standard compensation.

The Defendant’s Behavior Must Show Malice or Gross Negligence

To request punitive damages, you must show that the defendant acted with gross negligence or malice. This often includes behavior like driving under the influence, ignoring known safety hazards, or deliberately violating safety procedures, as discussed under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003. The focus is on the choices made before the incident and whether those actions put others at clear risk.

The Jury Must Award Them Separately From Other Damages

Punitive damages are not grouped with medical costs or lost income. If the jury decides they apply, they are awarded separately and only after the other parts of the case have been decided. Our team helps by walking you through that process so you understand what is required and when it may be appropriate to bring it up.

When Punitive Damages May Be Considered in Houston Injury Cases

Some cases stand out because of how serious the other party’s actions were. When their behavior goes beyond carelessness and crosses into reckless or intentional territory, it may open the door to punitive damages. These situations are rare, but they do happen, and we know how to spot them. Here are a few examples where punitive damages might come into play:

• Repeated OSHA violations that were never addressed
• A drunk driver with a history of similar offenses
• A company that hid known problems with a product
• Corporate decisions that ignored worker safety warnings
• Falsified maintenance logs after a major equipment failure
• Trucking companies that failed to act after prior safety violations
• Serious injuries that could have been avoided with basic oversight

Not every injury claim qualifies for a punitive award, but some patterns help us know when to look closer. We help our clients document those red flags early, especially in cases involving commercial safety breakdowns or drunk driving accidents. Punitive damages require a high standard of proof, and your Houston catastrophic injury lawyer can explain what that means for your case.

Why Choose The Doan Law Firm

If your case might involve punitive damages, you want a team that knows how to dig into the details and build something strong from the start. We take the time to really listen, identify what went wrong, and stand up for what is fair. Here is what you can count on from our team:

• We have handled plenty of tough cases where punitive damages were on the table
• We know the Texas rules inside and out and how to meet the standards that apply
• Our strategy is built around your goals and what accountability looks like for your situation

Learn Whether Punitive Damages Might Apply in Your Case

Your personal injury lawyer from The Doan Law Firm will take time to hear what happened and look closely at the details that matter. If there is a reason to consider punitive damages, we will explain how that works and what the law allows in your situation. You can contact us any time to talk through your case and find out where things stand.