What type of damages can a professional be liable for in a professional negligence claim?

In Pennsylvania, a professional may be held liable for economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages in a professional negligence claim. Economic damages, also called compensatory damages, are meant to make the injured person whole by reimbursing them for losses they have incurred. These losses can include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income, out of pocket expenses, or the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the injured person for losses that are not easily quantified, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of quality of life. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer and to send a message to other professionals in the same field. Punitive damages are only awarded when the wrongdoer acted with gross negligence or intentional actions. All types of damages are only awarded when the professional can be proven to be financially responsible and had a duty to exercise reasonable care.

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