Placing a value on the pain and suffering experienced after an accident is easier said than done. It’s difficult to put a price on some of the most debilitating damages you can experience, and it certainly isn’t as easily calculated as medical bills.
However, legally, it’s possible. Here are some tips for calculating your pain and suffering after an accident.
1. Document, document, document
The first step to calculating your pain and suffering is to keep track of everything. This includes physical pain you experience daily, psychological trauma, and any instances where your happiness is affected due to your injury.
Starting a post-accident journal can help you keep track of how you’re feeling throughout the recovery process.
2. Gather proof
It’s one thing to document your pain and the impact on your everyday life, but it’s another to prove that you are telling the truth. This is where medical records and doctors’ statements become very important.
3. Use a multiplier
When deciding on your pain and suffering compensation, insurance companies likely will use a multiplier to determine the amount you should receive. This multiplier is usually a number between 1 and 5.
For example, if your medical bills total $100,000, and your attorney decides to use a 2x multiplier, your pain and suffering damages will be $200,000. This gives you $300,000 total.
Your personal injury lawyer may look at several factors when determining your multiplier. They can include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How deeply your life has been impacted
- The length of time it will take your injuries to heal
- Any future therapy, medication, or time off work you may need
There’s nothing straightforward about calculating pain and suffering, but hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help. Tampa attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo can help you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve for your personal injury accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
