Annual Survey of Virginia Law: Damages for Medical Malpractice in Virginia

As a general rule, a plaintiff in actions for personal injury and wrongful death in Virginia, regardless ofwhether the cause derives from medical malpractice, may state a claim for any medical expenses incurred as a result of the alleged injury or death. By definition, an expense is incurred when it has been paid or one "become[s] legally obligated to pay it." A tortfeasor is bound and obligated to make the plaintiff whole, which means the injured party or his estate must be reasonably compensated for the fair and reasonable value of incurred medical expenses.