Pain and suffering is a common component of many personal injury lawsuits. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages for your physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other forms of suffering.
What is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering refers to physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with an injury. This can include both the pain you experience immediately after the injury as well as any lingering effects. For example, if you are in a car accident and break your leg, you may experience intense pain when the bone is fractured. You may also have ongoing pain and mobility issues long after the bone has healed.
In addition to physical pain, you may experience mental anguish, anxiety, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. For instance, your injury may prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed. The inability to live your life normally can take a major toll on your mental health and overall well-being.
When Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering?
In most personal injury cases, you can make a claim for pain and suffering damages provided your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Common examples include:
– Car accidents caused by a reckless or distracted driver
– Slip and fall accidents resulting from unsafe premises
– Medical malpractice such as a surgical error that leads to further injury
– Dog bites from an unleashed or vicious animal
The key is to prove that another party was legally responsible for your injury due to their carelessness or failure to take reasonable precautions. If you contributed to the accident through your own negligence, your pain and suffering award may be reduced.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
There are two main categories of pain and suffering damages:
– General damages – These compensate for non-economic losses like physical pain and emotional distress. Since these are subjective losses, the dollar amounts are typically based on the severity of your injury and its impact on your quality of life.
– Special damages – These cover quantifiable out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. Examples include medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and the costs of therapy or rehabilitation.
Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially reckless or egregious. The goal is to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct.
What Factors Affect My Pain and Suffering Settlement?
Every personal injury case is unique, but some key factors can increase or decrease pain and suffering damages:
– Severity of the injury – More severe injuries tend to result in higher damages. Permanent disabilities or scarring typically increase awards.
– Duration of suffering – Awards are higher if you experience long-term limitations and pain. Lingering effects support greater damages.
– Age of injured party – Young people with lifelong effects may obtain larger settlements. Older plaintiffs tend to get lower amounts due to shorter remaining life expectancy.
– Insurance coverage – Damages are limited to the defendant’s available insurance coverage in many cases.
By presenting evidence of how your injury has impacted your life, you can maximize your potential pain and suffering award. An experienced personal injury attorney can value your claim and fight for full compensation. While money cannot undo your suffering, it provides recognition and assists with medical costs and lost income. With the right legal strategy, many injury victims find the justice they deserve.
