When the reckless or negligent actions of a doctor or other healthcare professional cause harm, you and your family may have your lives altered forever.
As a medical malpractice victim, you may naturally wonder if you have any options for seeking justice and compensation for extra medical bills and other losses. Although each case differs, the types of recoverable damages in medical malpractice suits are similar under Florida law.
Keep reading for more from a skilled Orlando medical malpractice lawyer, then call (833) 243-9529 to schedule your free consultation.
Types of damages in medical malpractice cases in Florida
In Florida, plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases may seek economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. A qualified medical malpractice lawyer can explain in more detail.
Economic damages for Florida medical malpractice cases
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you suffered because of the doctor’s negligence. Your past, present, and future medical care should be covered, including any hospital or nursing home stay, surgery, and rehabilitative therapy, if it was incurred because of a medical provider’s negligence.
You’re also eligible to demand compensation for all lost wages and salary. If you cannot work or your work ability is diminished, you are entitled to recover those losses as well.
Other economic damages include prescription medications, durable medical devices, and any household services (like a home healthcare aide) or modifications to your home or vehicle that you may require as a result of your injuries.
Non-economic damages for Florida medical malpractice cases
Non-economic damages are the intangible, yet still valuable, losses from medical malpractice. These damages include things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
In some cases, your family may also be eligible for damages for loss of companionship, guidance, or consortium.
Punitive damages for Florida medical malpractice cases
Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant healthcare provider for gross misconduct. This is a level of misconduct that is much worse than ordinary negligence. These kinds of damages are rare in comparison to those listed above. In certain egregious circumstances, your lawyer may ask the Judge in your case to allow you to ask a jury to award you punitive damages from the defendant because of their outlandish conduct.
How much are my Florida medical malpractice damages worth?
Calculating damages in medical malpractice cases can be tricky and somewhat subjective, especially when it comes to putting a dollar value on your pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
Experienced medical malpractice lawyers have a knack for properly valuing malpractice claims, including estimating the cost of future medical care and the more subjective intangible losses.
Are you a victim of medical malpractice? We want to hear your story.
If you’ve been harmed because of a botched surgical procedure, misdiagnosed, or given the wrong prescription medication, we can help you explore your options for medical malpractice damages.
Contact DWK Law online or at (833) 243-9529 for a free consultation today.
