Punitive damage potential significantly increases settlement leverage and trial verdict possibilities in cases involving egregious conduct. Drunk driving, conscious safety violations, or intentional acts support punitive claims making defendants eager to settle. Nevada law allows punitive damages up to three times compensatory damages providing substantial recovery incentives. Clear and convincing evidence standards for punitive damages require stronger proof than basic negligence claims. Corporate defendants fear punitive damage publicity potentially affecting stock prices and consumer relationships beyond monetary impacts. Insurance policies typically exclude punitive damage coverage, creating personal exposure motivating individual defendant settlements. Punitive damage claims survive bankruptcy in many circumstances unlike regular negligence judgments providing collection advantages. Success requires balancing aggressive pursuit of deserved punishment with avoiding overreach that might antagonize juries or trigger appeals.