California Medical Malpractice Damage Cap
Track statutory limits on noneconomic damages and calculate your potential recoverable amount.
Legal Nuances & Exceptions
Applicability
All Medical Malpractice Cases
Statutory Reference
Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.2 (MICRA)
Exceptions to Cap
- Wrongful death ($500,000 cap)
Under the updated MICRA laws (effective 2024), California caps noneconomic damages at $350,000 for non-death cases and $500,000 for wrongful death cases. These amounts will increase annually by $40,000 and $50,000 respectively until they reach $750,000 and $1,000,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MICRA cap for noneconomic damages in California?
As of 2024, Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.2 caps noneconomic damages at $350,000 for injury cases and $500,000 for wrongful death. These caps increase annually.
Can I recover more if there are multiple defendants?
Yes. Under the new MICRA rules, you can potentially recover up to three separate caps if your case involves an unaffiliated physician, an unaffiliated healthcare institution, and an unaffiliated provider.
Are economic damages capped in California?
No. Economic damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs) are completely uncapped.
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