What type of damages can be awarded in a medical malpractice lawsuit?
In Washington, a person can recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit for the harm they have suffered as a result of medical negligence. Some of the common types of damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits in Washington include economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages. Economic damages can be awarded to the plaintiff to compensate them for financial loss caused by the medical malpractice. For example, a person might be awarded damages for medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and costs associated with rehabilitation or therapy. Non-economic damages, also known as “pain and suffering” damages, can also be awarded to cover the physical, emotional, and psychological pain endured as a result of the medical malpractice. Finally, punitive damages can be awarded in rare cases where the negligence was particularly egregious. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party and deter them from similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are not awarded in all cases. In Washington, medical malpractice plaintiffs can be awarded economic, non-economic, and in some cases, punitive damages to compensate them for suffering caused by medical negligence.
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