In most cases, the primary purpose of a medical malpractice claim is to obtain money to help the injured person and/or their family to pay medical bills and other costs connected to the harm.

Compensation pursued in a medical malpractice lawsuit may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages / income from being unable to work
  • Pain and suffering, including mental pain as well as physical pain
  • Loss of consortium or companionship
  • Punitive damages

Birth injuries may require a lifetime of medical expenses. A lawsuit should calculate future expenses and losses as well as past and current expenses.

Medical malpractice lawsuits can also expose the problems that have caused the medical errors or negligence cited in the claim. They may be due to individuals who are incompetent or uncaring or due to outdated equipment or systemic problems in a hospital or clinic. A medical malpractice lawsuit can spur a medical institution to make needed changes.