Verdicts in medical malpractice lawsuits consist of two different types of damages.

Compensatory damages are awarded to cover the financial burden that accompanies an injury. Medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, ambulance bills, prescription costs, nursing care expenses, and the cost of domestic services are commonly covered by compensatory damages. 

Compensatory can also cover non-economic damages. Money can be recovered for the pain and suffering the victim has experienced. Mental and emotional suffering, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life are also covered by compensatory damages.

The second type of damages awarded in a medical malpractice lawsuit are punitive. This is money awarded to a plaintiff in order to punish the offending medical worker or facility in the lawsuit. The goal of punitive damages is to serve as a malpractice deterrence and force medical professionals to take preventative steps to avoid negligence in the future.

If you or a love one have been injured by a negligent medical worker, please contact the experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130.