Damages in Atlanta Medication Error Cases
Medication errors can cause patients severe physical and emotional damages. In addition to these losses, injured parties often bear the financial burden of medical care. This can be especially hard for those who are unable to work due to their injuries.
If you have sustained losses due to a mistake concerning your medication, call a seasoned attorney right away. Our team has experience helping patients recover damages in Atlanta medication error cases. We could work with you to determine your specific needs and obtain adequate compensation for your losses.
Understanding Economic Damages
Economic damages are the costs related to a patient’s condition. These financial losses have a monetary value that can be calculated by reviewing evidence related to the case.
One of the main economic damages someone might face after a medication error is lost wages. For example, if a full-time employee who earns $15 an hour at a factory misses three weeks of work, he or she could calculate the exact amount of wages lost and pursue compensation for that income.
A lawyer could also request an itemized bill of all charges related to the incident from the patient’s medical provider. These records might detail the cost of hospital and rehabilitation services that could be reimbursed.
It is also important to consider future expenses an individual may face. If the patient’s condition might require long-term medical care, an attorney could seek out a third-party to calculate those future costs. In a medication error case, accurately valuing the victim’s economic losses is crucial to recovering a substantial damages award.
Recovering Compensation for Non-Economic Losses
Not all losses have a set dollar amount. Patients who have experienced negligence could also face mental, emotional, and social losses due to a medication error. Non-economic damages might include:
- Mental and physical pain,
- Suffering,
- Loss of services,
- Loss of enjoyment of life or
- Loss of consortium.
A local attorney could prepare an argument to convince the court that the medication error in a specific case warrants a non-economic damages award.
Punitive Damages Awards in Atlanta
Punitive, or exemplary, damages may be awarded to an individual in situations where a medical provider commits a willful or wanton act of negligence. Behavior that might lead to an exemplary damages award could include preparing prescriptions while intoxicated or knowingly allowing an employee to work while drunk.
This type of compensation is not awarded for the benefit of the patient. Instead, it is meant to punish the wrongdoer and dissuade further negligence. The amount of money awarded is determined by a jury.
Though exemplary damages awards are not common in this area, a skilled lawyer could analyze a patient’s case and determine if it is possible
An Attorney Could Help with Recovering Damages in Atlanta Medication Error Cases
Recovering damages in Atlanta medication error cases can be challenging without the help of legal counsel. A skilled attorney could thoroughly analyze the relevant evidence to determine the compensation a patient may need. Additionally, a legal professional might investigate any wanton behavior that might lead to a punitive damages award.
At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, we have a team of dedicated lawyers and an in-house doctor who can provide relevant insight into the compensation a patient may need. Call us today for a free case review.
