Medical Malpractice Damages

Compensatory Damages

There are two types of compensatory damages available in medical malpractice cases, special damages and general damages.

Compensatory damages are designed to, in a word, compensate. To the extent possible these types of damages are meant to make the person as "whole" as possible. Generally, these damages can be broken up into two sub-categories, actual damages and general damages. Actual (also called special or pecuniary) damages seek to reimburse a plaintiff for financial losses sustained. Actual damages typically include:

1. Medical and hospitalization bills incurred to treat your injuries
2. Wages lost due to work missed while you recuperate
3. Costs of household or nursing help during recovery, including costs of wheelchair or crutches required
4. Value of medical expenses you are likely to incur in the future
5. Value of wages you are likely to lose in the future

1. Pain and suffering
2. Mental anguish
3. Disfigurement
4. Loss of enjoyment of life
5. Loss of consortium (benefits of a relationship)

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Broussard & Hart. at 337-439-2450 or Toll Free at 866-281-4774 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

More Information

• Amount of Damages
• Factors Affecting Amount of Damages Awarded
• Types of Compensatory Damages
• Types of Damages