Pain and suffering is a unique form of accident damage. The way it is calculated and paid to victims stands apart from other accident losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and a wrecked vehicle. Read more about what pain and suffering is and how it is calculated by reading below. 

Pain and Suffering is a Non-economic Form of Damage

Almost all accident damages are economic. That means they can be qualified with a monetary payment. For example, lost wages is an economic form of damage. The time a victim missed from work is connected to the exact amount of income lost by the victim. Other economic forms of damage include medical expenses and vehicle repairs. 

Pain and suffering, however, is not automatically based on a certain dollar amount. However, victims that are physically injured are entitled to be paid for pain and suffering, nevertheless. An important thing to know about pain and suffering is that most insurers won't offer it to victims. You must demand it is paid. 

What is Pain and Suffering?

This form of damage can be difficult to quantify and understand. It's about the general misery and discomfort most victims experience when they are injured and must endure medical tests, surgery, hospital stays, and recuperating for weeks at home. It's about missed softball games, postponed vacations, not being able to care for loved ones, and being thought of as a victim. It is about not on suffering from physical ailments, but depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and dealing with a fear of the unknown. If you, like most, are worried about becoming addicted to pain pills after an injury, that is pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is not likely to end soon, and the effects of an accident can go on for many months or even years. 

How is Pain and Suffering Calculated?

There is no single method of calculating pain and suffering damages. That can make it confusing for victims when they try to figure out what they are owed. Speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case. They may advise you that pain and suffering monetary damages are based on:

• The severity of your injuries.
• How long it takes for your injuries to heal.
• How the accident has impacted your life.
• How accident injuries have affected any preexisting conditions.
• How accident injuries are affected your loved ones.

This form of damage is not insignificant. They can amount to as much as five times your medical expenses. Find out more by speaking with a company such as Houston & Alexander PLLC.