If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for more than just medical bills and lost wages. Pain and suffering is a critical part of personal injury claims, but many victims are unsure how it is calculated or what they are truly entitled to receive. Personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles can help you navigate the legal complexities of non-economic damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Krolikowski Law Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll an accident can have on your life. Here’s how pain and suffering compensation works and how an experienced attorney can help you secure the maximum settlement.
What Is Pain and Suffering Compensation?
Pain and suffering compensation falls under non-economic damages, which cover the intangible losses that victims experience after an accident. Unlike medical expenses and lost wages, which have clear monetary values, pain and suffering is more subjective.
Pain and suffering compensation can include:
- Physical pain from injuries, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatment
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life, including the inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities
- Loss of companionship, which applies if relationships are negatively impacted by the injury
How Pain and Suffering Is Calculated
Because non-economic damages are harder to quantify, there are different methods used to calculate pain and suffering compensation in personal injury cases.
1. The Multiplier Method
One common approach is the multiplier method, where the total amount of economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury.
For example, if your medical expenses and lost wages total $50,000, and the court assigns a multiplier of 3, your pain and suffering damages would be $150,000.
2. The Per Diem Method
Another method is the per diem (daily rate) method, which assigns a daily monetary value to your pain and suffering. The daily rate is then multiplied by the number of days you experience pain due to the injury.
For example, if a court determines that $200 per day is an appropriate amount and your recovery takes 300 days, your pain and suffering compensation would be $60,000.
Factors That Impact Pain and Suffering Compensation
There are several factors that can affect how much you receive for pain and suffering, including:
- Severity of the injuries – More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Length of recovery time – The longer it takes to heal, the greater the non-economic damages.
- Impact on daily life – If you can no longer work or engage in activities you once enjoyed, this will increase your compensation.
- Medical evidence – Doctor reports, therapy records, and expert testimony can help support your claim.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles can help by:
- Gathering Evidence – Your lawyer will collect medical records, expert testimonies, and personal statements to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurers often undervalue pain and suffering damages. An attorney will ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Taking Your Case to Court – If a fair settlement is not reached, your attorney can take your case to trial and advocate for maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After an Injury to Strengthen Your Claim
To improve your chances of receiving pain and suffering compensation, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Treatment Immediately – Your medical records serve as key evidence.
- Document Your Pain – Keep a journal detailing how your injury affects your daily life.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Ignoring medical advice can hurt your claim.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of securing compensation.
Get Legal Help from The Krolikowski Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in Los Angeles, you don’t have to handle your case alone. The Krolikowski Law Firm has the experience and dedication needed to fight for your pain and suffering compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you need personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, contact The Krolikowski Law Firm for a free consultation.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve!