Compensation for Medical Malpractice
Compensatory damages are awarded to individuals who win their medical malpractice lawsuit. Compensatory damages can be awarded for economic losses as well as non-economic losses. Economic losses can include medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic losses can include any type of pain and suffering that the injured party suffered due to the medical malpractice. This type of loss is more difficult to calculate.
In addition to compensatory damages the courts may require punitive damages be paid to the injured party. These damages are to "punish" the defendents who are responsible for the injuries.
