What, exactly, are damages in a Tennessee medical malpractice lawsuit and who pays them?

If you choose to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee, you will be called the plaintiff and the doctor and/or other medical professionals will be called defendants. As the plaintiff, you must prove that the person or persons you are suing were negligent in some aspect of the medical care they provided.

If negligence is successfully proved, then you, as the plaintiff, are eligible to receive monetary awards called damages. There are two basic types, compensatory and punitive:

Compensatory damages are awarded to cover the effects of your injury. These include things like lost wages, medical bills and daily living expenses. In addition, damages can cover the injury itself, including physical harm, psychological harm and severe pain.
Punitive damages are less likely to be awarded. In cases where they are, the plaintiffs are able to prove that the harm was caused by reckless and wanton actions on the part of the defendant(s).

In order to be awarded damages for medical malpractice, you and your legal counsel will have to put a dollar amount on the damages. To do this, it depends on you and your unique situation. That is why it is important that you pick an experienced, reputable Memphis medical malpractice attorney to represent you.

At Bailey & Greer, we can promise you an experienced, vigorous legal counsel. Our reputation as “small enough to care; big enough to win” was not earned easily. We dedicate the time and attention necessary to win your case. Nothing less.

Call us toll-free today at 888-470-9143 to discuss your options. Or, simply fill out the confidential form on this page, and we will contact you.