Being injured in an accident can be devastating. Unfortunately, for many people the damages or losses they sustain go farther than just physical injuries or medical bills. If you were injured in an accident due to another person’s negligence, they are responsible to compensate you in order to “make you whole.” This may include compensation for a variety of losses such as pain and suffering.
Types of Pain and Suffering
Being physically injured in accident can be damaging, but the damage often does not stop there. The traumatic experience of an accident can have other long term effects on a victim’s life as well such as stress, anxiety, and long-term emotional distress. If you are permanently injured due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to recover some compensation for the damages you have sustained. Pain and suffering can be separated into two main categories: physical pain and emotional or psychological trauma.
- Physical pain- This would include injuries such as phantom pain from an amputation, nerve pain from damaged nerves, or continuing migraines or vision problems from a brain injury.
- Emotional and psychological trauma- This would include symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, or fear caused by the accident.
Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages
There is not one standard way that pain and suffering damages are calculated. Each and every accident is different. Any compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding your injury. Some of the factors that may be taken into consideration are:
- Number and severity of physical injuries
- The amount of time it takes the injuries to heal
- The future treatment plan (surgery, physical therapy, etc.)
- How long future treatment is expected to take
- The amount of disruption of the victim’s life
- Any permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or scarring
- Age and health of the victim before the accident
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. They will be able to evaluate your potential claim and help you decide the best course of action. The attorneys at Powers Taylor are professional and have experience handling all types of personal injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.