(a) Whenever damages are recoverable, the plaintiff may claim and recover any rate of damages to which he or she may be entitled for the cause of action established.
(b) Recovery of damages under subsection (a) of this section for past necessary medical care, past necessary medical treatment, or past necessary medical services received includes only those costs actually paid by or on behalf of the plaintiff or that remain unpaid and for which the plaintiff or any third party is legally responsible.