In addition to economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, you may also be able to recover non-economic damages known as pain and suffering. Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury and its after-effects.
Continue reading our blog for more information about what pain and suffering mean in a personal injury case and how it is calculated. Understanding pain and suffering can help you make informed decisions about your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve.
What is the Legal Definition of Pain and Suffering?
In legal parlance, "pain and suffering" denotes both tangible and intangible injuries sustained by a victim as the result of negligence. Tangible or physical pain and suffering include the discomfort and distress caused by an individual's actual physical injuries.
On the other hand, intangible or emotional pain and suffering may encompass mental anguish, fear, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other adverse psychological effects resulting from the injury. The intangible impact of an injury is, as to be expected, difficult to quantify but the legal system does provide a loose framework for valuing pain and suffering.
Quantifying Pain and Suffering
Damages for pain and suffering are categorized as non-economic damages, indicating that they lack direct receipts or bills to substantiate their existence. The process of calculating damages for pain and suffering can be complex and subjective. Unlike tangible economic damages such as medical bills or lost wages, there is no fixed formula for determining the value of intangible losses.
Courts and insurance companies consider several factors to evaluate pain and suffering damages:
- The Severity of the Injury: The extent of physical harm and the duration of recovery significantly impact the value of pain and suffering damages. Severe injuries with long-lasting effects generally result in higher awards.
- Medical Evidence: Medical records, expert testimony, and physician statements can provide critical evidence to establish the extent of the pain and suffering endured by the victim.
- Impact on Daily Life: The extent to which the injury affects the victim's ability to perform daily activities, engage in hobbies, or enjoy life is taken into consideration.
- Comparative Fault: In some jurisdictions, pain and suffering damages may be reduced if the injured party is partially responsible for the accident.
A prevalent method employed to estimate these damages is the Multiplier Method. This technique involves summing all incurred costs (like medical bills and lost earnings) and multiplying that sum by a number between 1.5 and 5, contingent on the severity of the pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Each jurisdiction has its own approach to calculating pain and suffering and it is important to understand that it is nearly impossible to predict the exact dollar amount.
Categories of Damages Awarded
In personal injury cases, victims may be entitled to several types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These damages compensate for quantifiable monetary losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering fall under non-economic damages, which also include emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for egregious behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
The compensation granted for pain and suffering varies significantly depending on the specifics of each case. Some cases may receive a modest sum, while others may receive substantial amounts. Damages are intended to remedy the losses from an injury – for example, some injuries require less recovery time and victims do not lose as significant a portion of their wages as those suffering from extensive injuries.
Who Qualifies for Damages?
Typically, damages for pain and suffering are only accorded if they are a result of a catastrophic physical injury—disability, loss of bodily function, or disfigurement. The nature, severity, and impact of the injury on the victim's life are all factors that courts consider when determining qualification for pain and suffering damages.
It is also important to note that the period in which a claim is filed can determine whether the case qualifies for damages. If a person waits too long to file a claim, it may not be valid legally. Waiting too long also raises other concerns about the longevity of evidence to support a claim. The most important step a person can take after an injury is filing a claim in a timely manner.
Takeaway
Pain and suffering damages play a crucial role in compensating personal injury victims for the intangible losses they experience due to someone else's negligence or intentional actions. While calculating these damages can be challenging, understanding the factors considered by courts and insurance companies can help injured parties seek appropriate compensation.
By recognizing the different types of damages and the cases eligible for pain and suffering awards, victims can better navigate the legal process and ensure fair compensation for their suffering. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process.
Contact the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., and put your future in good hands.
