Medical malpractice is a serious issue, not just because of the impact it has on the victims, but also because of the financial burden it can place on the family members that have to care for them. Across the country, each state sets their own limits on what victims, or their families, can be awarded in non-economic damages, otherwise known as pain and suffering awards.
18 states and the District of Columbia place no limits on non-economic awards, while 15 states place a limit of between $250,000 and $400,000, 13 states limit the payment to between $500,000 and $1 million, and only medical malpractice in Virginia and Nebraska is capped at more than $1 million, with $2.0 million and $1.75 million being their respective caps according to the the American Medical Association.
If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s imperative that you contact an attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases. They’ll know the exact limits for your state, including how your specific circumstances can impact what you are awarded by the courts.