No, you cannot seek compensation for punitive damages through a medical malpractice claim in Illinois.

You can seek compensation for any other damages you suffer as the result of a health care provider’s negligence. Talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to discuss all of the damages for which you can seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim in Illinois. You might be entitled to recover compensation for an expense that you did not realize you could include in your medical malpractice claim.

Seeking Compensatory Damages

In Illinois, there is no cap on compensatory damages in medical malpractice claims. Compensatory damages are sums of money that injured claimants receive through civil claims. In a medical malpractice case, compensatory damages are the compensation that a claimant receives after demonstrating that his or her health care provider’s negligence directly caused him or her to suffer an injury or worsened condition and that because of this injury or worsened condition, the claimant faced certain expenses. In contrast, punitive damages are damages awarded to punish a negligent or criminal party.

Which Damages Can I Seek Compensation to Cover Through a Medical Malpractice Claim?

You can seek compensation for any financial damages you suffered as the result of your injury or worsened condition through a medical malpractice claim. These damages may include the following:

• Your medical bills for corrective treatment;
• Your expenses of therapy to address your physical or mental trauma following the injury. This can include issues like depression or anxiety as well as the need for occupational or physical therapy;
• Compensation for your lost wages, due to having to take time off work to recover and any missed career opportunities and reduced career advancement potential due to a disability; and
• Any other expenses that you would not have faced if you had not been injured. These can include the need for a mobility aid, transportation costs, the cost of domestic help, and your need for over-the-counter medication and medical supplies.

Work with an Experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you are suffering from an injury or the results of a worsened or stagnant medical condition because of a health care provider’s negligence, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your damages through a medical malpractice claim. To learn more about seeking compensation for your damages through this type of claim, contact our team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Baizer Kolar, P.C. today to schedule your initial consultation in our office.