Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional acts negligently. This can take many forms including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, patient injury, incorrect prescriptions, and more. When medical malpractice occurs, the patient’s life could be in jeopardy or extremely altered due to the medical worker’s negligence. It is vital for your medical malpractice lawyer to prove negligence was present and pursue compensation for your injuries.
What damages can I receive in my medical malpractice case?
If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, you are likely wondering if the amount of compensation will be worth a lawsuit. More than compensation, you are bringing justice to a terrible situation and demanding change occurs within the medical setting. There are two types of damages you may be able to receive when you pursue a medical malpractice case – compensatory and punitive. Allow us to explain the difference:
- Compensatory damages are factors that can be equated to an amount of money, then given to the victim as compensation for the negligence. For example, compensatory damages may include medical expenses, lost past and future wages, and life care expenses (economic damages). Other compensatory damages may include extreme physical pain, emotional distress, and mental harm (non-economic damages).
- Punitive damages can be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. They are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant. They are awarded when gross negligence has been proven. Examples of gross negligence in a medical setting include operating on a patient while intoxicated, purposefully harming a patient, ignoring an ER patient based on age or race, or conducting the wrong operation.
Your medical malpractice attorney will discuss what type of damages is possible to recover with your specific case.
Bushway Law Firm is your fierce medical malpractice attorney.
Medical malpractice is more than just a disruption to your life. It can alter your life forever. We’re here to bring justice to your situation and pursue the highest possible amount of compensation for you, so you can focus on your recovery. If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, talk to our attorney today: 478-621-4995