A personal injury can be a devastating event, leaving you with physical injuries and emotional turmoil. So, many auto accident victims experience life-changing repercussions that impact every area of their life.
Physical pain or disability, ongoing emotional distress, and other factors must be considered in a car accident settlement. More importantly, if you or a loved one were injured due to another’s driver’s negligence, you have rights.
In the aftermath of an accident, you may wonder what types of damages you’re entitled to. In addition, accident victims can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Here’s a closer look at what a pain and suffering settlement is all about.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering refer to the intangible injuries that accident victims suffer. Likewise, this may refer to physical pain and the psychological effects of a serious injury.
Some examples include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Inconvenience
Also, loss of enjoyment can include the inability to participate in your daily activities. Such as caring for your family, maintaining a home, or participating in things you previously enjoyed.
Depending on the severity of your accident, you could receive damages for pain and suffering in addition to any financial losses.
Economic vs Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering are considered non-economic damages. There’s no dollar amount attached to emotional turmoil, and you can’t prove this type of damage with receipts.
Putting a monetary value on emotional suffering can be tricky. In fact, it depends on the victim’s previous abilities, lifestyle, and other factors. Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Medical transport
- Home health aide
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Although an injury victim could file a claim for only pain and suffering damages, this is rare. Generally, accident victims hope to secure compensation for pain and suffering in addition to financial damages.
Many types of physical and mental effects from a serious injury qualify for pain and suffering damages.
Physical Effects
The effects of a serious injury can be long-lasting or even permanent. These injuries may change your lifestyle and alter your future plans.
Examples include:
- Neck and back pain
- Broken or crushed bones
- Chronic headaches
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limb
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of hearing or eyesight
- Disfigurement or scarring
Emotional Effects
After an accident, emotional trauma can linger and affect your quality of life. Typically, these effects may range from short-term anxiety to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Examples of emotional injury include:
- Panic attacks
- Psychological trauma
- Insomnia
- Grief
- Fear of leaving your home
- Anger
- Depression
- PTSD
Actually, some accident victims suffer ongoing psychological consequences following an accident. Moreover, they may need long-term mental health treatment and counseling.
Wrongful Death
Family members can suffer emotionally and financially when a loved one dies in an accident. In fact, depending on the situation, a family member may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In addition, they may be entitled to compensation for financial losses. As well as, “loss of consortium” due to the unexpected death of their loved one.
Some loss of consortium damages include:
- Loss of companionship (death of a spouse or life partner)
- Loss of parental guidance
- A loss of household support/services
- Loss of love and affection
Fair Settlement for Pain and Suffering
Each personal injury case is unique. In fact, car accident settlement amounts can vary significantly.
Now, the circumstances and facts of your case play an important role in determining your compensation for pain and suffering. Therefore, an accident lawyer will gather information about your case to ensure you’re receiving the maximum compensation you deserve.
There are two methods commonly used to calculate pain and suffering settlement amounts.
The Multiplier Method
Next, the multiplier method focuses on total economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. As a result, this amount is multiplied by the level of severity of the injury or case. So, the number is generally between one and five.
Per Diem Method
The per diem method assigns a particular dollar amount per day. And this begins on the day of the accident and ends when the victim reaches maximum recovery.
How a Tampa Accident Law Firm Can Help
Have you been injured in an accident at no fault of your own? Because, if you’ve suffered physical and psychological injuries, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights. Plus, they will gather evidence, negotiate with all parties involved, and prove your case.
Proving Pain and Suffering
To receive compensation, you must prove pain and suffering. Therefore, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help.
At this stage, accident lawyers focus on establishing the facts of the case and quantifying the settlement amount.
Evidence of Pain and Suffering
Above all, documentation is vital in pain and suffering cases. In fact, the evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Doctor notes
- Personal journals
- Therapist or counselor notes
Your lawyer will work with you to gather as much evidence as possible to prove your case and secure compensation.
Securing a Pain and Suffering Settlement
Certainly, a serious accident can lead to devastating injuries, both physical and mental. So, some accident victims suffer psychological trauma for years to come following an accident.
In these cases, a pain and suffering settlement is an option. Thus, as an accident victim, you have rights. And, may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, and more.
At RHINO Lawyers, we know how traumatizing a serious accident can be. And, our Tampa personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and answer any questions you may have. So, you pay nothing unless you win.
Contact RHINO Lawyers today for a free consultation.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
