--- title: How are Medical Malpractice Settlements Calculated? description: Under North Carolina law, a plaintiff may recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include primarily medical expenses and loss of earnings. Non-economic damages may include pain an image: https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_1098001919-300x300.jpg --- - Search Search Close this search box. - Download Forms - [Make a Payment](https://secure.lawpay.com/pages/ironsandirons/trust) - [(252) 215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [![Irons and Irons](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/irons-law-logo.png?width=178&height=46&name=irons-law-logo.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Auto Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/car-accident) - [Motorcycle Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident) - [Nursing Home Abuse](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/nursing-home-abuse) - [Rideshare Accidents](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/rideshare-accidents) - [Slip and Fall](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/slip-and-fall) - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/brain-injury) - [Truck Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/trucking-accident) - [Wrongful Death](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/wrongful-death) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Separation Agreements](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/separation-agreements) - [Divorce Options](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/options) - [Absolute Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/absolute) - [Collaborative Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/collaborative) - [High Net Worth Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/high-net-worth) - [Military Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/military-divorce) - [Division of Pensions, 401(k) & Retirement Accounts](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/division-of-pension-and-retirement-accounts) - [Post Separation Support and Alimony](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/support-and-alimony) - [Property Distribution](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/property-distribution) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Child Custody](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody) - [Child Custody Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody-modification) - [Child Support / Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-support-modification) - [Collaborative Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/collaborative-family-law) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) - [East Carolina University/Pitt Community College Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/ecu-college-disputes) - [Public And Private School Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/school-disputes) - [Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Dental Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/dental-malpractice) - [Pharmaceutical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/pharmaceutical-malpractice) - Attorneys - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. Irons II](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/ben-g-irons-ii) - [Harry H. Albritton, Jr.](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/attorney-harry-h-albritton-jr) - [Brianne Lee Van Apeldoorn](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/brianne-lee-van-apeldoorn) - [Misty Waldroup](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/misty-waldroup) [Schedule Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/contact/consultation-request) [tel:252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [Irons & Irons P.A. Blog](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com) [Subscribe](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-are-medical-malpractice-settlements-calculated#popup-form) ### Subscribe via Email [Medical Malpractice](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/medical-malpractice) # How are Medical Malpractice Settlements Calculated? January 22, 2018 Written by: Harry Albritton - Share - Share - Share - [Copy](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-are-medical-malpractice-settlements-calculated) ![](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_1098001919-300x300.jpg) Copied the Url ![](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_1098001919-300x300.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=shutterstock_1098001919-300x300.jpg)Attorneys for both injured plaintiffs and defendant healthcare providers consider a myriad of factors before recommending a medical malpractice settlement to their client. The patient must first be able to show negligence on the part of the provider (e.g., doctor, nurse or hospital) which resulted in damages to the patient. The likelihood of a settlement payment and the size of any payment are correlated with the strength of the patient’s evidence alleging negligence.  As expected, the amount paid in settlement drops as the strength of the patient’s evidence weakens. Attorneys on both sides will have the case strengths and weaknesses reviewed by medical experts.  The qualifications and experience of the expert witnesses will be assessed by the attorneys.  An expert who presents well at deposition and who can articulate a well-reasoned theory of medical negligence may greatly increase the settlement value. Settlement values also increase when the patient is particularly likable with a sympathetic story. Defense attorneys prefer to keep this type of plaintiff from a jury. Assuming the liability of the health provider can be shown with credible evidence, attorneys turn their attention to the damages of the patient. Under North Carolina law, a plaintiff may recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include primarily medical expenses and loss of earnings.  Non-economic damages may include: - pain and suffering, - scars or disfigurement, - loss of use of part of the body, - loss of consortium, permanent injury, - and inconvenience. Those cases with higher medical costs and negligence resulting in permanent injuries typically resolve at higher amounts.  The age and income of the patient are also important in deciding settlement value. There is no set formula to determine a medical malpractice settlement and every case is different. These are complicated matters which typically take years to resolve, and require an experienced law firm to guide patients through the legal process. If you need help from experience medical malpractice attorneys, [contact us today](https://dev-harry-albritton.pantheonsite.io/contact-us/). ### [Harry Albritton](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/author/harry-albritton) Harry H. Albritton, Jr. is a passionate attorney representing victims of negligence and malpractice, with deep roots in eastern North Carolina. A graduate of East Carolina University, he returned to practice law in Pitt County after obtaining his law degree from Ohio Northern University. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled a diverse range of cases, from minor car accidents to multi-million dollar catastrophic injuries, and has been recognized for his legal abilities by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. When not practicing law, he prioritizes spending time with his wife and three sons, engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. ### Related Posts [Medical Malpractice](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/medical-malpractice) 2 min read #### [What is the Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages in North Carolina?](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/what-are-medical-malpractice-caps) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/what-are-medical-malpractice-caps) [Personal Injury](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/personal-injury) 2 min read #### [Irons & Irons Secures a $5 Million Wrongful Death Settlement](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/irons-irons-secures-a-5-million-wrongful-death-settlement) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/irons-irons-secures-a-5-million-wrongful-death-settlement) 3 min read #### [How To Calculate Pain & Suffering Damages in North Carolina](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-to-calculate-pain-suffering-damages-in-north-carolina) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-to-calculate-pain-suffering-damages-in-north-carolina) [![IRONS & IRONS P.A.](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Irons%20and%20Irons/Pillar-Graphic.png?width=134&height=67&name=Pillar-Graphic.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) Irons & Irons P.A. 620 Lynndale Ct Suite A Greenville, NC 27858 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Phone: [252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) PRACTICE AREAS - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) ATTORNEYS - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. 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