What Damages Can Be Claimed After a Medical Error?

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What Damages Can Be Claimed After a Medical Error?

Nowadays, medical errors happen more often than people think. It can be really financially and emotionally burdensome for victims. Unexpected bills, unrelenting pain, and unanswered questions may haunt the victim. If a medical mistake altered your life, it’s important to know about the damages you suffered and whether you can claim fair compensation for the damages. 

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly three million people. The city is renowned for its scenic lakeside location and world-class cultural attractions. Also, the city is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation.  

In Chicago, where thousands of medical cases are attended and procedures occur daily, knowing what compensation you can pursue after such a medical error is essential. This is why many victims consult with a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago to know exactly what damages they may be entitled to. 

Damages You Can Claim

Medical malpractice damages range from treatment costs and lost income to pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and lasting disability. Understanding what damages you are entitled to and how to claim them can be the first essential step to take. 

Generally, in the cases of medical malpractice cases, the damages are classified into three main categories. Each of them covers various types of harm: 

• Economic damages cover the financial losses, like out-of-pocket costs that are spent for medical purposes, lost wages, and long-term treatment expenses. 
• Non-economic damages cover the emotional losses, like pain and emotional suffering, which are caused by the medical error injury. 
• Another one is punitive damages, which are addressed in severe cases to punish the healthcare provider for extreme misconduct and recklessness. 

What Damages Are Commonly Claimed After a Medical Error? 

1. Medical expenses that include both past and future expenses. The expenses are like hospital stays, additional surgeries, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and any follow-up care. In this expanse, future treatment costs are also included only if the injury needs long-term medical care. 
2. If you miss work due to the injury or your medical condition, you can lose your income. So, you can claim under the economic damages as financial losses. 
3. You can claim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and more. Medical errors often end with long-term physical pain or daily discomfort. These damages reflect the physical hardship caused by the medical error. 
4. Medical error can also lead to anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, or fear of future medical treatments. These emotional factors are considered non-economic damages. 
5. Permanent injuries or long-term disabilities caused by a medical error often need consistent care. Compensation can cover mobility aids, in-home support, or long-term treatment and care. 
6. If a loved one passes away because of medical malpractice, their family may claim funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and related damages. 
7. These are meant to punish a provider for extremely negligent or intentional misconduct. They are rare but may apply when the conduct was reckless. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Medical malpractice claims allow recovery for both financial losses and emotional harm. 
2. Damages can cover medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and long-term effects. 
3. Some cases qualify for additional compensation if the conduct was especially reckless. 
4. Consulting with a medical malpractice lawyer can help you know your complete range of options and strengthen your insurance claims.