What Is Pain and Suffering? How It’s Considered in Personal Injury Claims

What Is Pain Suffering and Why Does It Matter?

What is pain suffering? It refers to the physical and emotional distress a person experiences after an injury, often used as a legal term in personal injury cases.

Defining Pain and Suffering in Legal Terms

When someone is hurt in an accident, they may seek more than reimbursement for medical bills or property damage, depending on the circumstances. Pain and suffering cover the non-economic damages you experience, which may include:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Sleeplessness or lifestyle disruption

Understanding what is pain suffering can help individuals better understand how non-economic damages may be discussed in claims, especially in severe cases like truck accidents or motorcycle crashes, where injuries often cause long-term suffering.

How Pain and Suffering Are Calculated

There’s no universal formula for calculating pain and suffering, but courts and insurance companies use common methods.

Multiplier Method

The total economic damages (like medical bills) are multiplied by a number, often based on injury severity and case-specific factors.

Per Diem Method

This assigns a daily rate that may be used to evaluate non-economic impacts over time and multiplies it by the number of days you were affected.

Factors that influence how pain and suffering are calculated include:

• Severity of the injury
• Recovery time
• Impact on daily life
• Medical documentation
• Expert testimony

If you’re filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, detailed records help document how pain and suffering are evaluated in your specific situation.

Proving Pain and Suffering in a Claim

Because pain and suffering aren’t visible like a broken bone, you’ll need solid evidence to support your claim.

• Medical Records: These confirm diagnoses, treatments, and ongoing pain.
• Mental Health Records: Therapy notes help show emotional suffering.
• Personal Journal: Daily entries about pain or limitations can support your claim.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from family or coworkers can validate changes in behavior.
• Expert Testimony: Doctors and specialists may be asked to describe observed symptoms, treatment history, and medical observations.

Visit TrafficAccidents.com/injuries to explore how different injury types can influence pain and suffering claims.

Why Knowing What Is Pain Suffering Is So Important

Whether you were hurt in a minor crash or a serious accident, asking what is pain suffering is crucial. Without that understanding, you might resolve a claim without fully understanding how non-economic damages are considered. This concept is often a meaningful part of how personal injury claims are evaluated, especially when injuries affect your quality of life long-term.

Get Help With Pain and Suffering Claims Today

If you’re unsure how to define or prove your pain and suffering, legal guidance is key. You may wish to speak with a licensed attorney to discuss whether your situation may qualify for a pain and suffering claim. Visit TrafficAccidents.com to access informational resources and connections to licensed attorneys who handle personal injury matters.