Find a Lawyer by Practice
Find a Lawyer by Location
By Practice
By Location
Back to Main Categories
Written by AskTheLawyers.com™ on behalf of David Klibaner with Klibaner Law Firm PC.
It is common to hear the term "pain and suffering" in personal injury cases, and many people seek to include it with their compensation for medical costs. Unfortunately, "pain and suffering" has come to be associated with exaggerated claims, and some individuals tend to roll their eyes and minimize actual struggles that warrant the claims. Because of this, it is vital that you do whatever you must to prove your pain and suffering to the court.
First things first, are you clear about what "pain and suffering" actually is? Let's take a moment to clarify this and learn what it takes to prove "pain and suffering" in a personal injury claim.
There is no clear definition of pain and suffering, but it is understood to be compensation for all of the physical pain and discomfort the plaintiff is suffering as well as the emotional stress, anxiety, and trauma that they have had to endure. It can address the small inconveniences that an injury causes the individual, such as an inability to carry heavy bags or open jars, to the mental anguish one might feel by losing the ability to play their favorite sport. These types of things are not simple to qualify, and although money will never really be able to make up for much of these, there are ways to quantify things so that you can get some kind of relief financially.
Technically, there isn't a standard method for calculating pain and suffering. It is separate from medical costs and lost wages. Understand that there are various factors taken into account in these calculations, such as hindrance and permanence of the injuries. Car insurance companies often use one of three methods:
In this method, the severity of injuries are ranked on a 1-5 scale, which is then multiplied with the total medical costs.
This method is based on a formula that evaluates the amount of suffering each day that is caused by the injury in addition to new limitations. When an estimated cost can be determined for each day, then it is multiplied by the number of days.
This is simply based on a look at the overall time of suffering and limitations, and then a blanket amount is determined that is considered sufficient to cover the alleged pain and suffering.
These aren't the only approaches, but they are the most commonly used. There are countless calculators available online, but one of the best ways to determine the best amount for your personal injury is to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Recently injured and considering filing a lawsuit? Here's how to make sure that your pain and suffering claims are taken seriously.
It is wise to ask a qualified personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and guide you along as you determine the right amount to seek for your pain and suffering. Every move matters in court, and high balling or low balling this part of your claim could actually result in less compensation that you are truly entitled to. In addition to helping you determine the right amount to seek, a lawyer can help you make sure that all of your bases are covered to prove your pain and suffering and offer their expertise to help you craft your demand letter. Contact a personal injury lawyer now to support and assist you with your case and, if necessary, represent you if your case goes to trial.