US medical malpractice damages calculation
In the United States, medical malpractice compensation combines economic damages (past/future medical bills and lost wages) with non-economic damages (pain, suffering, and emotional trauma).
While economic damages are never capped, several states (such as California under MICRA, Texas, and Ohio) impose statutory limits on non-economic damages.
Worked example: US surgical error claim
A patient with $45,000 past medical bills, $60,000 future care, and $50,000 lost earnings in a state with a $350,000 cap and a 2.5x multiplier has $155,000 in economic damages and $232,500 in non-economic damages, yielding a total estimated settlement of $387,500.
Inputs for the medical negligence claim US calculator
State Cap Status
Whether your state caps non-economic pain and suffering damages.
Past Medical Bills
Total corrective surgery, hospitalization, and physician expenses incurred.
Future Care Needs
Projected lifetime medical treatments, prescription drugs, and attendant care.
Lost Earning Capacity
Wages lost and long-term reduction in career earning potential.
Pain Multiplier
Multiplier applied to economic damages to evaluate pain and suffering.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
US medical malpractice calculator questions
What is the statute of limitations for US medical malpractice?
Most states require filing a lawsuit within two to three years of the injury or discovery date, though rules vary widely across jurisdictions.
Are economic damages capped in US malpractice cases?
No. Actual economic losses, such as hospital bills, lifetime care costs, and lost earnings, are uncapped in all 50 US states.