What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages?

Founding Partner Richard Schuler discusses the difference between compensatory (compensates the injured) vs. punitive damages (awarded to punish the defendant).

RICHARD D. SCHULER: President, CEO, Shareholder and Founding Partner of the firm, Mr. Schuler has actively been involved in representing plaintiffs in Civil Trial Litigation throughout the State of Florida and nationally.

Starting the firm in 1978, Mr. Schuler has represented thousands of clients resulting in close $1 billion in settlements. He was given the esteemed honor of being voted by his peers for inclusion in the book, “Best Lawyers in America,” first in 1995, and again for 2021 and 2022.

One of his most-notable cases was representing the family of Robert Stevens, a local journalist who died as a result of exposure to anthrax during the 2001 Anthrax attacks.

Mr. Schuler’s areas of expertise include: Aviation Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Product and Premises Liability, Auto/Truck/Motorcycle Accidents, Mass Torts and Class Actions, Toxic Exposure, and Wrongful Death. He has held several preeminent leadership roles including: Past President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association; past President of American Board of Trial Advocates; and Chairman of the Circuit Civil Court Advisory Committee of Palm Beach County Bar Association, just to name a few.


Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter, P.A.
1615 Forum Pl #4
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Toll Free: 1 (800) 689-8180
Phone: (561) 689-8180
Fax: (561) 684-9683
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