Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate a person to the fullest extent possible in order to make that person "whole" again. Actual compensatory damages reimburse a plaintiff for any financial losses that have been sustained, including:
- Medical and hospitalization bills for injury treatment
- Lost wages because an inability to work following your injury
- Costs of nursing help, household help, wheelchair, crutches, or any other items needed during recovery
General compensatory damages can't be precisely documented in dollars spent but are meant to compensate a malpractice victim based on:
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish endured due to injury
- Disfigurement
- Future medical expenses likely to be incurred
- Future wages likely to be lost
- Loss of consortium (benefits of a relationship)
- Loss of normal life
When a plaintiff has not been provided with proper consent, damages can also be made available.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to malpractice victims as a way to punish the defendant for any intentional or grossly negligent conduct that may have occurred. Although it is not unprecedented, it is fairly uncommon for punitive damages to be awarded in a medical malpractice case.
Call oremailWegner & Associates today to discuss your case with no obligation.