The weeks and months after a personal injury accident can be a scary and frustrating time. Whether you were in a car accident, a truck accident, an accident at work, or another type of incident, it’s likely that you have physical injuries you’re trying to heal from. Additionally, though, you may be facing invisible injuries that are having significant impacts on your mental health and overall well-being. These types of injuries are usually referred to as pain and suffering, and what you may not know is that you’re actually able to collect compensation for these damages.
If you’re wondering how pain and suffering can impact your personal injury case, we’ve gathered a few things you should know as you work toward receiving compensation.
Understanding Pain and Suffering
After an accident, it’s in your best interest to seek medical treatment for any injuries you may have suffered.
Unfortunately, though, there are some injuries that leave a lasting impact. Your injury could result in physical pain and discomfort for weeks, months, or years after your injury. Not only that, but you could have suffered invisible injuries that are affecting your ability to get back to your normal life. If this happens, compensation for pain and suffering may help you deal with the physical and emotional impact of the injuries.
Pain and suffering may include:
- Physical pain
- Prolonged discomfort
- Mental health concerns
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of activities in which you were interested in the past
- Loss of companionship if the injury affects your relationship with your spouse, partner, or family
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Insurance company settlements are usually determined by the economic impact the injury had on your life, such as medical expenses or lost wages. These claims are easier to substantiate because they involve bills for medical treatment, physical therapy, medication, and car repairs, proof of wages from pay stubs and tax returns, and a record of time off or missed days from injury-related appointments or issues.
Pain and suffering is known as a “noneconomic impact,” which can be more challenging to appropriately assign a dollar amount to. For pain and suffering, insurance companies determine the value by looking at a number of factors, including:
- The extent of your injuries and whether they caused long-term pain.
- The severity of the accident and the potential for emotional distress.
- Your day-to-day life prior to the accident and how your injury may affect your normal work, hobbies, and activities moving forward.
- Evidence such as witness statements and medical records that support your claim of pain and suffering.
Since pain and suffering lacks the physical bills or documentation other losses have, insurance companies will often fail to include this compensation from your claim at first. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who knows how to fight for this type of compensation and will be a loyal advocate for your rights.
We’ll Be a Champion For You
Moving forward an accident can come with enough challenges on its own. Enduring invisible injuries not seen by the naked eye can make matters even worse. Don’t suffer alone, let our team at Lewis & Keller be champions for you. We’ll do everything we can to be sure you’re compensated for the losses you’ve experienced as a result of someone else’s reckless behavior.
Don’t wait to get started. Get in touch with us today by giving us a call or filling out our online form. We’re here to help.
