If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical professional’s mistake, it’s only natural to wonder what your case might be worth. You may be searching online for a medical malpractice settlement calculator to get a quick estimate, but no online tool can fully capture the complexity of a malpractice claim.
At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico (BMF), we understand how devastating medical negligence can be. Our firm has handled complex malpractice cases in Maryland, securing compensation for clients when it matters most. If you are trying to understand your legal rights and how much your case may be worth, we are here to provide the clarity and legal guidance you need.
In this guide, we’ll explain how malpractice settlements are calculated and what factors affect the value of your case.
How Are Malpractice Settlements Calculated?
There is no accurate or universal medical negligence settlement calculator because malpractice cases are fact-specific and legally complex.
Medical malpractice settlements are calculated based on a combination of economic and noneconomic damages, as well as several case-specific factors. The goal of a settlement is to compensate you for what you have lost.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Here are the most common types of damages considered in Maryland medical malpractice claims:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost income and earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Out-of-pocket costs.
Maryland law limits awards for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
In 2025, the maximum amount of noneconomic damages recoverable is $905,000. There is no cap on economic damages, such as medical expenses and loss of income.
An attorney at BMF can explain which damages may apply in your case and what caps, if any, might affect your potential recovery.
What Other Factors Can Affect Settlement Value?
Several variables can significantly influence a case’s final settlement amount. These considerations are specific to each case and often determine how negotiations proceed and whether litigation becomes necessary.
Severity of the Injury
The extent of harm plays a critical role in determining settlement value. A permanent, life-altering injury, such as paralysis, loss of a limb, or brain damage, often leads to higher compensation than a temporary or treatable condition. The greater the disruption to the patient’s daily life, independence, and long-term health, the more significant the claim becomes.
Clarity of Liability
The strength of the evidence against the healthcare provider significantly impacts your bargaining position. If there is clear and compelling documentation of medical negligence, liability is harder for the defense to dispute.
Ambiguity or conflicting interpretations of the standard of care can reduce the likelihood of settlement or lead to reduced offers.
Age and Occupation of the Victim
The patient’s age and profession are especially relevant in calculating future losses. A young adult with decades of expected earnings may be entitled to more compensation than an elderly retiree.
Similarly, the projected financial losses could be substantial if the injured person had a specialized or high-paying career path.
Effect on Dependents
A serious medical injury can affect more than just the patient. It can disrupt the entire household. If you can no longer care for your children or an aging parent due to your injuries, your family may need to hire outside help.
This expense could include paying for a babysitter, daycare, or even a home health nurse for elder care. These added expenses can place significant financial strain on your family, and they are often factored into a medical malpractice settlement to reflect the real-world impact of your reduced ability to provide care.
Insurance Policy Limits
Even in cases involving serious injury and clear liability, recovery may be limited by the at-fault party’s insurance policy. Many healthcare providers carry malpractice insurance with defined limits. If those limits are exhausted, it may be challenging to recover additional compensation unless there are other liable parties or assets.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault for your injury, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This harsh standard requires a skilled legal team to build a strong case and protect you from unjustified blame.
Trial Readiness and Legal Strategy
The strength and reputation of your legal team can influence how a case progresses and whether it settles favorably. Insurance companies know which firms try to settle quickly and which ones prepare to go to trial.
At BMF, our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers. We build every case with the expectation that it could go to court, and that trial-readiness often results in more negotiation leverage.
Don’t Search for a Medical Negligence Settlement Calculator: Talk to a Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases are complex, and there is no dependable malpractice settlement calculator, but there is experienced legal guidance.
At BMF, we are committed to helping injured patients and families navigate the aftermath of medical negligence. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with Maryland’s medical malpractice laws, damage caps, and procedural requirements, and we use that knowledge to fight for our clients.
We do not rely on formulas or shortcuts. Our legal team works with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to build every case precisely. We are known for our meticulous preparation and ability to take on complex, high-value claims involving serious injury or loss.
We treat each client with personalized attention and clear, thoughtful guidance every step of the way. Contact BMF today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Phil Federico is a partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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