What typical damages are claimed in healthcare negligence cases?

• A. Punitive damages only.
• B. Economic damages (medical costs, lost wages) and noneconomic damages (pain, suffering); some jurisdictions cap noneconomic damages.
• C. No damages are awarded in healthcare cases.
• D. Only the cost of medications.

Answer: (B)

In healthcare negligence cases, the typical damages claimed include economic damages (medical costs, lost wages) and noneconomic damages (pain and suffering). Economic damages cover tangible financial losses like current and future medical care, rehab, and potential loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic damages address harms that aren’t easily priced, such as pain, emotional distress, and a decreased quality of life. Some jurisdictions cap noneconomic damages, which affects the potential award size but does not remove these harms from compensation. Punitive damages are not the standard remedy in ordinary medical-negligence claims; they’re uncommon and reserved for extreme conduct. The option describing both economic and noneconomic damages and noting caps best reflects how these cases are typically pursued.