What Damages Can You Claim in a Medical Malpractice Case?
When filing a medical malpractice claim, you must have an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to help determine the damages you are entitled to.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Explain Your Rights to Compensation Following Medical Malpractice
A medical malpractice lawsuit is a legal action brought against a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, for harm caused by the provider’s failure to meet the standard of care. In a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff, who is typically a patient or the patient’s family, must prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused damages, such as physical injury or financial losses. These damages can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, even punitive damages.
If you are filing a medical malpractice claim, it is important to have an experienced medical malpractice lawyer help you determine what type of damages you are entitled to. If you believe a negligent healthcare provider or facility may have harmed you, contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys in Maryland and Washington, D.C. for help.
Economic Damages
As one might expect, “economic damages” refer to the financial losses that a plaintiff (the person who is filing the lawsuit) has suffered as a result of the defendant’s (the healthcare provider or institution being sued) alleged negligence. These can include expenses such as past and future medical costs, lost wages or earning capacity, and any other out-of-pocket costs related to the malpractice. Economic damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for the concrete, financial losses they have incurred, rather than for intangible losses such as pain and suffering (discussed below).
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (a legal term referring to the loss of companionship and support from a spouse or other family member).
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a rare type of damages award. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly reckless or intentional, and are not meant to compensate the plaintiff, but rather to make an example of the defendant and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are in addition to any compensatory damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff (i.e. economic and non-economic damages). The amount of punitive damages awarded is usually based on factors such as the defendant’s financial resources and the severity of their misconduct.
Contact The Law Offices of Cardaro & Peek, LLC Today
Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Cardaro & Peek, LLC today.
The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.
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