What is the difference between a medical malpractice demand and a settlement?

A medical malpractice demand is essentially a document that is sent from the victim of medical malpractice to the responsible party, such as a healthcare provider or a medical facility. It outlines the case against the provider or facility, who has allegedly caused harm, and details the remedies sought by the plaintiff, such as financial compensation. The demand typically requests an amount of money that the plaintiff believes is sufficient to cover both compensatory and punitive damages. A settlement, on the other hand, is the final agreement reached between the plaintiff and the defendant in a medical malpractice case. The settlement agreement is the result of negotiation between the two parties and is intended to resolve the claim without further litigation. In a settlement, the agreed-upon sum of money to be paid by the defendant is less than what was requested in the malpractice demand and is typically determined by analyzing the strength of the plaintiff’s case. Additionally, the settlement agreement may include other provisions designed to protect the defendant, like a confidentiality clause or a non-disclosure agreement. A settlement can also be “structured”, meaning that the defendant agrees to pay the plaintiff in increments over a period of time, as opposed to a lump-sum payment.

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