In a medical malpractice lawsuit, ‘damages’ refer to the monetary compensation for any financial, emotional, or physical suffering because of medical injuries.
If you have suffered an injury due to a medical professional’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. In a medical malpractice lawsuit, ‘damages’ refer to the monetary compensation for any financial, emotional, or physical suffering because of medical injuries. Medical malpractice cases have several consequences that can permanently change the lives of the affected patients and their families. Therefore, victims have the right to receive compensation for their injuries. Here are the most common types of damages in medical malpractice cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages reimburse for any financial expenses resulting from the malpractice case. It can be accurately estimated and is viewed as quantified damage. This includes medical bills and lost wages. In most cases, a medical professional will help the court determine the exact compensation amount.
Lost Wages: This refers to the income you may have lost due to being hospitalized after a medical issue. Patients can sue for loss of income if their injury prevents them from working. Wages, salaries, bonuses, and other benefits may be included in this category of damages.
Medical Expenses: These are any costs associated with the injury and your recovery. Examples of medical expenses in a medical malpractice claim can include hospital costs, physical therapy, medical supplies, medications, in-home care, physician fees, and medical equipment.
Non-Economic Damages
Also known as general damages, non-economic damages can not be quantified in monetary amounts. Meaning, these damages are awarded to compensate for reduced quality of life as a result of medical malpractice or negligence. For example, there is no amount of money that can reimburse for the emotional distress resulting from lifelong disability. Some examples of non-economic damages include:
Pain and Suffering: One of the most common non-economic damages, pain and suffering refers to the physical, emotional, and mental effects of improper medical care. There is no exact number that can quantify a patient’s suffering; it is sometimes difficult for juries to determine how much to award for this type of damage.
Punitive Damages: Although very rare, punitive damages refer to when a medical professional intentionally, willfully, or maliciously harms a patient or puts them at risk. In these cases, the medical professional was fully aware that their actions would be harmful to the patient.
Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium refers to loss of affection towards the significant other due to medical malpractice or negligence.
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