In a new court case, Blum, CA-9. No. 21-71113, 3/8/22, a taxpayer owed tax on a malpractice settlement even though the claim stemmed from a physical injury she suffered in a hospital setting.
Is a settlement of a malpractice claim against physicians or a hospital considered to be taxable income?
In short, it depends, but according to a recent Tax Court and Ninth Circuit Appeals Court case, it can be. Let's dig in...
Background: Generally, legal awards and settlements are subject to federal income tax, like most other forms of income. However a special section of the tax law specifically excludes from tax damages that are received on account of personal physical injuries or illness.
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This issue is often contested in the courts when a taxpayer receives a settlement or other damages based on a claim of emotional distress. The new case at hand involves a settlement of a malpractice lawsuit. In this instance, the taxpayer was hurt when she sat in a broken wheelchair at a hospital.
She sued the hospital and lost, but then claimed malpractice by her attorneys and eventually agreed to a settlement. The Tax Court determined that the payment constituted taxable income.
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