Hospital Liability When It Comes to Pain and Suffering

Injuries or illness resulting from medical malpractice can cause significant amounts of pain and suffering. When permanent or long-term disability results, that pain and suffering may extend far into the future, forcing you to come to terms with an entirely new set of limitations.
“Pain and suffering” is the most common type of non-economic damages awarded in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases. (Economic damages, like compensation for medical bills or lost wages, are also commonly awarded in medical malpractice cases if the doctor or hospital is found liable.) Unlike several other states, Pennsylvania does not “cap,” or limit, non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.
When medical malpractice occurs in a hospital setting, the hospital may share some or all of the liability for the harm caused—and for the compensation necessary for those losses. For instance, if a patient receives the wrong medication in the hospital due to the hospital’s dispensing or administration error, the hospital may be liable for medical malpractice for the medication error and its resulting consequences, including any pain and suffering the patient suffered as a result.
Unlike economic damages like medical bills, pain and suffering damages rarely come with an invoice or receipt attached. Evaluating their worth in financial terms can be complex. Fortunately, experienced medical malpractice lawyers understand the factors that go into determining the level of damages for pain and suffering that are appropriate and making your case to the judge and jury. Your attorney can also help you determine whether it is appropriate to seek punitive damages in cases where particularly outrageous or dangerous behavior led to your injury.
If you’ve been injured by medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced Pennsylvania medical negligence lawyer who can help you seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Your lawyer can help you establish your need for compensation both for the losses you have already endured and losses you are likely to face in the future. Contact Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. for a free consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.