When you check into a medical facility, you trust your healthcare provider to give you the medical attention you need. Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned. If you sustain an injury as a result of the healthcare provider’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages.
You are probably overwhelmed by your treatment bills, unable to resume work and just plain tired of dealing with the effects of your injury. It is entirely understandable why you would want to know how much compensation you may be eligible for should the court rule in your favor.
There are two basic types of damages that are commonly awarded:
Economic damages
Also referred to as special damages, economic damages are designed to compensate the victim for the financial costs of their injury. These damages can go towards settling medical bills and your long-term care. They can also cover lost income or income potential if the victim is unable to work as a result of their injuries.
Here are the types of evidence you can use to justify economic damages:
- Medical bills
- Hospitalization records
- Expert vocational testimony
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are generally designed to cover the hard-to-quantify losses that the victim is likely to endure going forward. This can include things like pain and suffering, the loss of the victim’s enjoyment in life and the loss of their independence.
Here are some of the ways in which you can justify your claim for non-economic damages:
- Witness testimony friends and family
- Expert testimony that discusses the psychological and physical consequences of your injuries
Injuries sustained due to medical malpractice can leave you devastated. If you have been injured or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice, find out more about your legal options.