Skip to main content

What are the damages in a medical malpractice case? In other words, how do courts decide what I might get if I sue my doctor?

Editor's Response

In Massachusetts, as in other states, the court would attempt to compensate you (the successful plaintiff) by putting you back to the position you were in before the defendant's negligent medical care.

So, for example, the court might award: (1) the cost of any medical care required in the future as a result of the negligent act; (2) compensation for any diminution in your earning ability; and (3) all of the standard types of damages awarded in personal injury cases, including compensation for physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of body function, and loss of companionship (in cases where a survivor is suing for wrongful death due to medical malpractice.)

Naturally, damages will vary from case to case, and the best way to get a handle on what you may be entitled to is to talk to an attorney who has done a lot of these cases. Most Massachusetts medical malpractice attorneys offer free consultations. Good luck.

Talk to a Lawyer Today
Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney in your County
Most offer FREE Consultations

Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

ForumLast post
Hi, I'm the grandmother of 4 beautiful grandchildren. The oldest has hit a rough spot with defiance (puberty ....
2/7/2012 23:02
by gramy
My roommate gave our landlord his notice that he was moving out the end of Feb in writing on Jan 31st, he didn....
2/7/2012 13:18
by sandrah
Hello. I'm in the middle of an appeal for SSDI and my attorney asked me to get a residual functional capacity....
First, I guess it's not a good sign that you do not trust your current....
2/7/2012 08:18
by Adam13
Hi everybody. I am trying to make an offer on a house, which is an estate sale. As I understand, the execut....
2/6/2012 13:50
by ilya980
I've been helping a friend pay for a lawyer to go to probate court. Her ex-Boyfriend, whom she is taking to c....
2/6/2012 12:21
by rbiddle
Hello. I live in Massachusetts and I'll have to file bankruptcy in the next few weeks or definitely within a ....
If it were me, I would stop using the credit card(s).  Since you ....
2/6/2012 06:45
by RCD68
If I witness a person getting beat up at a party and just run away without calling the cops or helping the guy....
I don't think so.  In terms of civil liability (as opposed to cri....
2/3/2012 07:17
by Coller
My father passed away in September. The probate is over and settled, no contests to the will. My mother is the....
Your dad died in September and the probate is already settled – ....
2/2/2012 18:50
by JGraul
Hi. My cousin is charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs in a Massachusetts court. He is not a....
Unfortunately for your cousin, if an immigrant is convicted of certain....
2/2/2012 08:07
by Sister6
Just curious if you have any thoughts or have read any information regarding the success rate of divorce media....
Yes, I've also seen the 90% estimate on various websites, with some me....
1/24/2012 11:47
by RRM
Several of my colleagues will dictate consultation notes in which they state they don't have the complete hist....
The question probably boils down to whether or not such practice is wi....
10/2/2011 18:37
by Anonymous