What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages in a medical malpractice case?

Medical malpractice is a legal matter that involves a healthcare provider’s failure to properly care for a patient resulting in injury or death. In California, when a medical malpractice case is brought to court, the plaintiff (the person bringing the case) may be able to obtain damages from the defendant (the person being sued). Damages are the amount that the defendant must pay for the wrongdoing that was done. Economic damages are losses which can be quantified financially. This may include current and future hospital bills, missed wages, and/or loss of earning capacity due to the injury. Non-economic damages are losses that are not as easily quantified financially. These may include suffering due to physical pain, emotional distress, and any loss of enjoyment in life. It is important to understand the difference between economic and non-economic damages when bringing a medical malpractice case to court. The amount of damages awarded by a court will depend on the specifics of the case and the extent of the injury or death. Both economic and non-economic damages can be awarded to the plaintiff, but the amount of each may differ depending on how severe their injury or loss was.

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What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages in a medical malpractice case?

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