What Are Damages in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
In a medical malpractice claim, three types of damages may be awarded to the injured party. Those are:
- economic damages – these include expenses that can be quantified, such as the reimbursement of medical bills and lost income from time missed at work;
- noneconomic damages – this compensation is meant to address the suffering caused by the malpractice, such as pain, mental anguish, psychological trauma, or decrease in quality or enjoyment of life resulting from the medical malpractice;
- punitive damages – these damages are typically assessed against a defendant only when the medical error was perpetrated in such a way that is considered particularly egregious. For instance, a court may award punitive damages if the doctor was on drugs or drunk while treating you. Punitive damages are rare in Ohio.
In the tragic event that a patient dies, his or her next of kin may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf.
How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim
Attorney Chris Mellino welcomes you to contact our Cleveland office with any questions you may have about a medical mistake, an injury, or Ohio’s statute of limitations. You may also request or download Chris’ free, easy-to-read guide to filing a claim.
