Understanding Medical Malpractice Settlements in Connecticut and What You’re Entitled To
Medical malpractice can result in severe and, at times, life-threatening injuries to patients. If you are a victim of medical negligence in Connecticut, it is important to know the process of claiming compensation.
One of the most popular methods of settling medical malpractice claims is through an out-of-court settlement, which can allow you to get compensation without going to court. But dealing with these settlements demands a proper knowledge of your legal rights. This is why it is recommended to seek the help of a medical malpractice lawyer in Connecticut.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is when a medical professional neglects to provide the usual standard of care, and as a result, the patient is injured or harmed. Some examples of medical malpractice are:
- Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes or wrong-site surgery
- Errors in medication, such as incorrect prescriptions or doses
- Neglecting to monitor the patient before or after surgery
- Birth injuries through neglect during labor
When such errors occur, the patient is entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other malpractice-related damages.
What Does a Medical Malpractice Settlement Include?
A medical malpractice settlement is a mutual agreement between the plaintiff (the injured party) and the healthcare provider or their insurer, in which the provider will pay the patient in return for dropping the suit. A settlement spares the time, cost, and risk of a trial.
Generally, a Connecticut medical malpractice settlement can consist of:
1. Medical Expenses
This can include payment for previous and future medical expenses incurred from the injury. This can include hospital charges, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and continuing treatments.
2. Lost Wages
Lost wages can be included if malpractice has resulted in the patient’s inability to work. Future lost wages can also be included if the injury stops the individual from working or lowers his/her earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are more subjective but are covered in the majority of settlements. This is to pay for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life due to the injury.
4. Emotional Distress
Besides physical pain, medical malpractice can also result in serious emotional trauma. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the malpractice, you may be eligible to receive payment for these damages.
How Much Can You Expect from a Settlement?
The size of a medical malpractice settlement will depend widely on the nature of the case. The factors that determine the settlement size are:
- The degree of the injury or illness
- Whether the injury is permanent or temporary
- The cost of treatments and rehabilitation
- The effect of the injury on the patient’s lifestyle and capacity to work
- The quality of evidence for the claim
Average payouts for medical malpractice cases run from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the extent of harm inflicted.
Conclusion
If you’ve been harmed through medical malpractice, a settlement can often be the most effective means of getting compensation for your damages. Knowing what you’re owed, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, is critical to making sure that your rights are safeguarded. With the help of medical malpractice attorneys, you can cut through the technicalities of your case and obtain the highest possible reimbursement.
