Serious accidents often result in losses that extend far beyond the physical damages. It’s common to also experience some level of emotional trauma. Fortunately, the law recognizes that victims deserve to be compensated for every type of hardship inflicted by someone else’s negligence. As such, if you’ve been injured, you have the right to pursue damages for pain and suffering. However, since it’s not possible to put a price tag on this aspect, it can be challenging to determine how much you’re entitled to recover. Here’s an overview of how pain and suffering are calculated in personal injury claims.

Understanding Pain & Suffering Damages in Personal Injury Settlements

Multiplier Method 

One of the most common ways insurance companies and attorneys give pain and suffering a monetary value is with the multiplier method. This formula adds up the economic damages from a personal injury case and multiplies the total by a number from one to five, which represents the severity of the injuries. For example, if your economic damages total $8,000 and your injuries are rated a four, your pain and suffering would be worth $32,000. 

Per Diem Approach 

The per diem approach is generally used when the victim’s pain and suffering are considered temporary. This involves allocating a certain amount of compensation for each day the victim suffers until they reach maximum recovery from their injuries. Usually, a per diem amount is based on the victim’s average daily income and the level of pain they’re subjected to every day.

Proving Pain & Suffering 

Before you can recover damages, you must be able to prove your pain and suffering. This is done by providing evidence that supports your claim. Typically, it’s helpful to have medical records that include a diagnosis for permanent scarring, disfigurement, and/or disabilities as well as documentation of therapy treatments.

Your personal injury attorney may also present testimony from friends and family stating how your relationships have changed and what kind of impact your injuries have had on your daily life, such as not being able to perform normal household duties, take care of your children, or participate in your favorite activities. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a journal that details your feelings and limitations since the accident.

To ensure you receive full compensation for your damages after an accident, turn to the legal team at Hart Law Group. They have years of experience representing and negotiating personal injury claims and understand how to accurately calculate pain and suffering. This helps to put their Statesboro, GA, clients at an advantage and provide them with the best chance of achieving a favorable settlement. Call (912) 764-3122 or visit them online to schedule a free consultation.