How Much is a Case Worth?
No one should pay out-of-pocket expenses after suffering injury caused by medical negligence. But many people fail to recognize the full costs associated with their losses. While Pennsylvania law places no caps on the monetary value of medical malpractice lawsuits, attorneys must follow specific rules when determining the value of a medical malpractice claim.
The Potential Value of a Medical Malpractice Claim
The losses associated with each medical malpractice case are unique. The Pittsburgh PA medical malpractice attorneys at Dattilo Law Offices, P.C. work closely with our clients, their families, and medical experts to assess the value of each claim accurately. Losses commonly include the following expenses:
– Past, current, and future anticipated medical expenses: Injury victims have a right to pursue all medical costs, but the Pennsylvania collateral source rule prohibits pursuing any expenses paid by another source. For example, if an insurance claim pays 80 percent of the cost for additional medical procedures to correct an error, a lawsuit can only pursue the unpaid 20 percent of the claim.
– Lost work time: This includes time lost from work due to medical error, and it includes leaving work to go to medical appointments or to receive therapy.
– Loss in future earnings ability: In the event that a patient can no longer perform work at the same level as prior to the injury, he or she can pursue compensation for the difference between anticipated earnings at the initial level and those anticipated after the reduction in abilities.
– Personal and household care: Injury victims can pursue the costs of hiring someone to perform household chores and meet other responsibilities they cannot meet while in the recovery period.
– Permanent disability or disfigurement: When patients suffer permanent disability or disfigurement, they face extensive costs for a lifetime, including (but not limited to) lost earnings, personal care, medical treatment, and therapy.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Law Firm
Determining the full value of all losses is an essential element in any medical malpractice case. If you believe a loved one suffered injury or died because of medical malpractice, or that you suffered because of a medical error, take advantage of our expertise to help you determine if you have a legitimate medical malpractice claim. The medical malpractice law offices of Dattilo Law Offices, P.C. in Pittsburgh offer a free consultation. Please contact us online, or call our office at (412) 391-6300 to arrange an appointment.