Compensation in a Georgia Medical Malpractice Case
A serious medical malpractice case is about accountability, but it is also about compensation. When negligent medical care leaves a patient with permanent injury, additional procedures, lost income, disability, or death, the law allows recovery for the losses caused by that negligence.
Types of Damages That May Be Available
Depending on the facts, damages may include:
Medical Expenses
This can include past medical bills, future treatment, rehabilitation, medications, assistive care, and other healthcare costs caused by the negligence.
Lost Income and Lost Earning Capacity
If the patient missed work, cannot return to the same job, or has permanently reduced earning capacity, those losses may be part of the case.
Pain and Suffering
Medical negligence often causes intense physical pain, mental suffering, anxiety, humiliation, loss of independence, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Permanent Disability and Life-Care Needs
In catastrophic injury cases, damages may include lifelong care needs, home modifications, attendant care, equipment, and other future support.
Wrongful Death and Related Damages
When negligence causes death, different categories of damages may be available under Georgia law depending on the claim and the proper party bringing it.
What Determines Value?
No lawyer can responsibly value a malpractice case by looking only at the medical bills. Some cases with modest bills involve devastating human loss. Other cases with large bills are difficult on causation. Value comes from the total picture.
Common Questions
Is there a true average settlement?
No. Cases vary too much for averages to tell a family much of anything.
Can emotional suffering be part of the case?
Yes, depending on the claim and the facts.
Do wrongful death cases differ from injury cases?
Yes. The damages analysis is different and should be evaluated carefully.
Talk with an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Cash Krugler Fredericks handles high-stakes medical malpractice and wrongful death cases throughout Georgia. We work to present the full damages picture, not just the most obvious pieces of loss.
