In a civil lawsuit, victims seek a sum or sums of money for their loss or injury caused by the negligence of another as restitution. This sum is called “damages.” There are multiple types of damages which may be sought depending on the type of the malpractice claim and the facts of the case.
Generally, in malpractice cases, both economic and non-economic damages are sought. Economic damages are quantifiable and may include out-of-pocket losses, past and future wage loss, past and future medical bills, and damage to property.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are non-quantifiable, and may include pain, suffering, emotional distress, or loss of the affection and companionship of a loved one. In certain cases, punitive damages, which seek to punish for certain egregious behavior, may also be requested.