Noneconomic damages, subject to MCL 600.1483.
Applies only when a statutory exception is established.
What the cap does — and does not — mean
The cap concerns noneconomic loss. Michigan law separately addresses economic damages and past medical expenses. The classification of damages, future care needs, earnings losses and statutory reductions can materially affect the final analysis.
The State Treasurer adjusts the statutory limits annually, so a page from a prior year should not be used for a new claim without checking the current notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Michigan medical malpractice noneconomic damages cap for 2026?
The Michigan State Treasurer certified a 2026 standard noneconomic-damages limit of $596,400 and a higher limit of $1,065,000 for certain statutory permanent injuries for causes of action arising after September 30, 1993.
What are noneconomic damages?
Michigan law defines noneconomic loss to include categories such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment or disfigurement, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium and other noneconomic loss.
Does the cap apply to every dollar of a malpractice claim?
No. The statutory limitation described here applies to noneconomic loss. Economic losses, past medical expenses and other damage categories are governed by separate statutes and evidence.
Does every catastrophic injury qualify for the higher cap?
No. MCL 600.1483 identifies specific categories, including certain permanent brain or spinal-cord related loss of limb function, permanently impaired cognitive capacity meeting the statutory definition, and permanent reproductive-organ loss or damage resulting in inability to procreate.