Restitution

Restitution is a general term for payments given to the victim in a personal injury case to help make the claimant whole after their injury. In a civil case restitution is generally monetary payments, also called compensatory payments, for lost wages, pain and suffering and current and future medical bills.

In an injury case the defendant may also be forced to pay what are termed punitive damages. These payments are not considered restitution because they are not used to restore the victim but rather to punish the defendant for their negligent actions. Punitive damages are used to deter others from committing similar gross negligent actions in the future.