Victims of medical malpractice may suffer a number of injuries, including exacerbation of the original medical condition and as well as new injuries. In many cases, the most obvious injuries are physical in nature, but emotional injuries can also occur as a result of medical malpractice. For instance, a victim of medical malpractice may suffer from pain and suffering, and well as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If a defendant is found liable for medical malpractice, the plaintiff may be able to recover money damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice damages may include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Although the calculation of damages for economic costs like medical expenses and lost wages is fairly straightforward, the calculation of emotional damages can be more challenging. Because emotional injuries are more subjective, they can be more difficult to prove and quantify. Moreover, because a medical malpractice victim may not immediately seek medical attention for emotional injuries, it can be more challenging to gather adequate medical information to support the claim. There is no set forth a formula for determining pain and suffering, but some states (not Illinois) impose a cap on the total amount of pain and suffering damages. If you were a victim of medical error, it is important that you contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about whether you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit. Not all medical errors amount to medical malpractice, but if you do have a viable claim, there are strict time limits on when you can file a claim. A delay in taking action could not only result in the loss of valuable evidence and medical information, but it could also prevent you from filing a claim all together. In Illinois, a medical malpractice lawsuit without death must be filed within two years of the date of that the patient became aware of, or should have become aware of, the medical negligence. If the patient dies, however, the wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the patient’s death. The Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish represent the victims of medical error in medical malpractice lawsuits and we strive to obtain maximum financial recovery for physical and emotional injuries. If you have been the victim of medical negligence, contact the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish at (312) 445-9084 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how to recover for your physical and emotional injuries. Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
