We trust medical professionals with our lives. When their reckless actions cause us harm, it can shake your world to its core. After being a victim of medical malpractice, you may be wondering if you qualify for any economic assistance and what sort of compensation options are available to you. Enlisting the services of a medical malpractice lawyer can help you recover some of your costs.
Find out about the types of damages you or a loved one may be owed. Contact Farah & Farah today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Types of Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
There are many types of damages that an injured person — or their family — may use to help offset the cost of unexpected medical bills and psychological trauma. While every case is different, a medical malpractice lawyer will be able to help you understand the specifics that affect your case. The following are guidelines for Florida and Georgia.
Types of Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases in Florida
Medical malpractice cases in Florida may qualify for economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the case, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. A qualified medical malpractice attorney will be able to explain these in more detail to you.
Economic Damages For Florida Medical Malpractice Cases
Economic damages can cover the cost of current, past, and future medical bills. If the medical negligence also keeps you from working, you may receive financial recovery for your lost wages. Economic damages also include expenses like property damages, transportation, and any household services that are essential for your recovery. You may be able to receive additional funds if your injury impacts your earning capacity for your current career.
Non-Economic Damages For Florida Medical Malpractice Cases
Non-economic damages can help alleviate suffering and pain after a medical malpractice case. You may qualify for compensation for injuries that compromise your enjoyment of life. These damages include pain and suffering, and other aspects that may be difficult to quantify. In some cases, the plaintiff’s family may receive compensation for loss of companionship. Every case is different, and a medical malpractice lawyer will help you navigate the particulars of your case.
Punitive Damages For Florida Medical Malpractice Cases
Punitive damages discipline people for gross misconduct. Because they are reserved for intentionally malicious behavior, punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases. Often they require a sizable amount of discovery before they are determined. If punitive damages are deemed appropriate, they may be up to three times the compensatory damages.
Types of Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases in Georgia
Medical malpractice cases in Georgia may include three types of damages. These are special damages, general damages, and punitive damages. Hiring a medical malpractice attorney will help you understand what damages may apply to your case.
Special Damages For Georgia Medical Malpractice Cases
Special damages are intended to reimburse you for expenses that come out of your pocket due to your accident. These include easy to account for charges like medication, medical bills, physical therapy, nursing costs, and the sum of your lost wages. If your injury affects your ability to work, special damages may offset the costs of your future diminished earning potential.
General Damages For Georgia Medical Malpractice Cases
General damages are a little more challenging to determine. These account for attributes like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of a close person. If your accident affects your ability to work, general damages may include your future earning potential.
Punitive Damages For Georgia Medical Malpractice Cases
Punitive damages punish a defendant for wrongdoing. To qualify for punitive damages, you must prove that the person acted in willful misconduct. You will need to confirm the person was causing intentional harm.
How to Calculate Medical Malpractice Damages
No two cases are the same. Getting any possible figure on what your medical malpractice case deserves is not possible without consulting a lawyer. Here are some guidelines for understanding medical malpractice damages’ limits and procedures in Florida and Georgia.
In Florida, your medical malpractice damages are determined by a jury. Your attorney will present the total of your economic and non-economic damages and argue for your proper compensation. A skilled attorney will build their case for your total damages using documents, depositions, and other records. It is ultimately the jury’s responsibility to determine the extent of your compensation.
There is a similar approach to determining Georgia medical malpractice damages. A plaintiff hires an attorney to present their case. Additionally, the attorney presents evidence and records to validate this figure. These are useful to contextualize the extent of your compensation. However, the jury ultimately determines the final award figure.
How Farah & Farah Can Help Recover Medical Malpractice Damages
After being the victim of medical malpractice, you may not know what to do next. In addition to dealing with your trauma, you may be struggling with the burden of unpaid bills and missing time from work. Someone else’s negligence shouldn’t be your responsibility. You are legally entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you — or a loved one — have been injured due to medical malpractice, you owe it to yourself to call a medical malpractice attorney today. While it may be difficult to contact a lawyer during your hardship, it’s essential to get started as soon as possible because each state follows its own statute of limitations. Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer with a proven track record of winning can improve your chances of a positive outcome.
Farah & Farah have years of experience fighting for the rights of people like you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the justice you deserve!
