In the intricate world of healthcare, medical professionals strive to provide the highest standard of car
Running a business is a challenging and rewarding experience, and you likely want to see it continue and
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense and can lead to serious consequences
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence can be one of the most traumatic experiences in life.
The sudden occurrence of a slip-and-fall accident can lead to significant emotional and physical upheaval
The term "pain and suffering" is discussed widely in the realms of personal injury cases. However, while the term seems rather straightforward, in the eyes of the law, it is not as straightforward as you might expect. To boost your chances of a successful claim, it is best for all injury victims to understand what "pain and suffering" entails.
Not as Simple as It Seems
On the surface, the idea of pain and suffering would seem simple. If you are the victim of injuries caused by someone else and you have experienced any level of pain and suffering, you have a valid claim, right? Not exactly.
The term serves as more of a descriptor for an umbrella of concerns, and legally, there is a threshold that must be met. Generally, the injury needs to cause a marked level of discomfort, produce at least a short-term effect on your wellbeing, and have had an impact on your daily living.
Closer Scrutiny Should Be Expected
Any injury claim filed with an insurance company will undergo a certain level of scrutiny. However, those claims that include a request for compensation for pain and suffering often undergo an even greater level of review.
One reason for this is that these claims often include payments well above what is necessary to cover lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses. As such, the insurance company will have someone closely review your records to ensure that your injuries meet the threshold. If you work with an attorney, they will work to ensure your records are well-prepared.
Dollar Amounts Vary
An award for pain and suffering does not come with a set amount of compensation. In the same manner that all injury cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis, the amount a victim is awarded for pain and suffering can vary greatly.
Generally, the amount of this award is based on a multiplier equation. With this process, the total amount of your award is multiplied by a specific number to provide compensation for the set damages as well as the pain and suffering. For instance, in the case of an accident involving $3,500 in damages, this total may be multiplied by 3 to make the total award amount $10,500.
To determine whether or not you have a valid claim for pain and suffering, it is always best to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help review your claim and ensure you are on the right path for fair compensation.
To learn more, contact a personal injury lawyer.
Share