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If you or a loved one has suffered due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, it’s crucial to have an advocate on your side. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our medical malpractice lawyers in Gulfport are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you seek the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence.

Types of Compensation You Can Seek in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Medical malpractice is a serious matter. If you’ve been injured because of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. The financial impact of medical malpractice can be significant, affecting not only your health but also your finances and quality of life. If you’re considering pursuing a lawsuit, it’s essential to understand the types of compensation that may be available to you.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to compensate you for the financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of medical malpractice. These damages are typically easier to calculate because they are based on tangible financial losses. Economic damages can include:

Medical Expenses

One of the most common forms of compensation in a medical malpractice case is for medical expenses. If you’ve been injured or harmed due to a healthcare provider’s mistake, you may need additional treatments, surgeries, or ongoing medical care. The cost of this care can add up quickly. Compensation can cover:

• Current medical bills
  
• Future medical costs for long-term treatment
  
• The cost of prescription medications
  
• Expenses for rehabilitation services
  
• Medical equipment and assistive devices

You may be entitled to recover all the costs associated with your treatment, including any necessary follow-up care to address the harm caused by the medical malpractice.

Lost Wages

If your injury has left you unable to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you’ve lost while recovering, as well as any future wages you may lose if your injury prevents you from returning to work or limits your earning potential. Lost wages can cover:

• Salaries or hourly wages you would have earned
  
• Bonuses or commissions you may have missed out on
  
• Benefits such as paid time off or retirement contributions

If your injuries cause you to change careers or reduce your working hours, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Other Financial Losses

In some cases, a person’s injury may lead to additional financial burdens. For instance, you may incur costs related to hiring help at home or modifying your home for accessibility purposes. Compensation can also cover:

• Costs of household services you can no longer perform
  
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
  
• Costs for transportation if your injury impairs your ability to drive

These additional expenses can be challenging to manage, but they are a part of the financial consequences of medical malpractice, and you can seek compensation to cover them.

Non-Economic Damages

While economic damages focus on tangible losses, non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective and emotional toll that medical malpractice takes on a person’s life. These damages are harder to calculate, but they are just as important in helping you recover. Non-economic damages can include:

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation is meant to address the physical and emotional pain caused by your injury. If you’ve experienced significant discomfort or long-term pain due to a medical mistake, you can seek compensation for it. This includes both the physical pain associated with the injury and the emotional distress caused by the ordeal.

Pain and suffering can account for:

• Chronic pain or discomfort
  
• Emotional distress and anxiety
  
• Mental anguish and depression
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life

For instance, if you were misdiagnosed and had to endure unnecessary treatments or surgeries, the pain associated with those mistakes may be included in your pain and suffering compensation.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and support that a spouse or partner suffers when their loved one is injured or harmed due to medical malpractice. This can also extend to parents who lose the ability to care for their children in the same way as before the injury. It can account for:

• Loss of intimacy
  
• Loss of companionship or emotional support
  
• The inability to share experiences or engage in activities you once enjoyed

In medical malpractice cases, loss of consortium can be a significant part of the compensation, especially when the injury leads to long-term or permanent effects on relationships.

Disfigurement and Disability

If you’ve been left with permanent physical disfigurement or disability due to medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact this has on your quality of life. This type of compensation recognizes the significant toll that lasting physical changes can have on an individual. For example:

• Scarring from a surgical error
  
• Amputations caused by a healthcare provider’s mistake
  
• Loss of bodily function due to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment

Disfigurement and disability damages are aimed at compensating you for the long-term effects on your appearance, physical abilities, and overall life satisfaction.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not typically awarded in every medical malpractice case. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior and to deter others from similar conduct. Punitive damages are generally only awarded in cases where the healthcare provider’s actions were extremely reckless or malicious, such as intentionally harmful behavior or gross negligence.

While rare, punitive damages can significantly increase the total compensation awarded in a medical malpractice case. However, Mississippi law limits the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in some cases.

How to Determine the Amount of Compensation You Can Receive

The total compensation you may receive in a medical malpractice lawsuit depends on several factors, including:

• The severity of your injury or harm
  
• The amount of economic loss you’ve suffered
  
• The degree of pain and suffering involved
  
• The impact of the injury on your daily life

Each case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific facts of your situation. Working with a medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand the types of compensation you are entitled to and ensure you pursue all available options for recovery.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Gulfport Today

At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we are committed to advocating for victims of medical malpractice in Gulfport and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you believe you’ve been a victim of healthcare negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our team is here to provide legal guidance and support throughout your case. Contact us at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.