Damages

Definition

Monetary compensation awarded by a court to an injured party to make them whole for losses caused by another's wrongful conduct. In medical malpractice cases, damages may include economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages), non-economic losses (pain and suffering), and in some jurisdictions, punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct).

Examples

• •A patient awarded compensation for surgical complications, including the cost of corrective surgery and compensation for pain and suffering

Related Terms