Types of Damages Awarded in Malpractice

If you’ve experienced medical malpractice in Phoenix, Arizona, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the healthcare provider or facility that caused harm. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the types of damages you include in your claim.

A trusted medical malpractice lawyer in Phoenix can help you determine which damages apply to your case and fight to get you the maximum compensation.

Types of Damages Awarded in a Medical Malpractice Case

Economic Damages

Also referred to as ‘special damages,’ economic damages include all financial losses you experience directly due to the medical misconduct. Anything with a financial cost attached to it falls within this category. Here are the main economic damages you can claim:

Healthcare Expenses

These include all the financial costs you have experienced while seeking treatment for your injuries. This includes both the money you’ve already spent and the medical costs you’ll likely face in the future, from prescriptions and surgeries to long-term care and follow-ups.

Lost Income

If you’ve suffered life-changing injuries that prevent you from working to earn a living, seek compensation for the lost wages. This includes your current and future incomes that you’re likely to lose.

This type of economic damage is based on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the expected recovery period, and your ability to work. Your attorney can work with experts to estimate the total financial impact this loss will have on your future.

Other Expenses

These cover all other out-of-pocket expenses you’ve experienced since the medical malpractice incident. These might include the cost of mobility aids, in-home care, or modifying your home to accommodate a disability.

Non-Economic Damages

These are commonly referred to as ‘general damages.’ They include the non-financial losses you suffer due to the medical misconduct. It’s often difficult to calculate these damages because they don’t have a clear price tag attached to them. Here are the most common non-economic damages you can include in your claim:

Mental Suffering

Some injuries will cause more than just physical pain. Sometimes, the psychological effect of the incident can be more severe than the visible injuries. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Physical Pain

This includes the physical suffering and discomfort resulting from the medical misconduct.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may no longer be able to engage in recreational activities and hobbies. Your lawyer can help present the emotional and physical impact clearly so the court can determine fair compensation.

Punitive Damages

These damages are meant to punish the persons responsible for the medical misconduct and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These damages are only awarded in rare cases, typically when a provider acted with extreme negligence, fraud, or intentional harm.

In Conclusion

The three main types of damages in medical malpractice cases include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. A qualified attorney can help you understand which ones apply and guide you through the timeline for Arizona healthcare lawsuits.

At Gage Mathers, our team will walk you through your options, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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