There are three kinds of damages that can possibly be collected. The first is general damages, which could include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life, among others. The second is special damages. These include compensation for medical costs and lost income. Finally, there are punitive damages, which are meant to punish the medical practitioners responsible for your injuries. This form of compensation is typically only awarded when a healthcare professional deliberately or knowingly harms a patient.