What Are “Pain and Suffering” Damages?
When you file a personal injury claim, your damages are split into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are easy to calculate—they are your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, commonly known as “pain and suffering,” compensate you for the intangible, deeply personal toll the accident has taken on your life.
What Does Pain and Suffering Include?
Physical pain, both immediate and chronic.
Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., you can no longer play with your children or participate in hobbies).
Loss of consortium (the impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse).
Permanent disfigurement or scarring.
How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering?
Insurance adjusters use cold, computerized algorithms (like the Colossus software) to calculate your pain. They typically use one of two methods:
The Multiplier Method: They take your total medical bills and multiply them by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your injuries.
The Per Diem Method: They assign a daily dollar value to your pain and multiply it by the number of days it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement.
Why Computer Algorithms Fail Injury Victims
A computer program cannot measure human suffering. It does not know what it feels like to wake up in agony every morning or to lose your independence. Insurance companies use these algorithms specifically to minimize your payout.
How We Prove Your True Suffering
At Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we do not let a computer dictate the value of your life. We build a compelling, human narrative. We use day-in-the-life videos, testimony from your family and friends, and expert psychological evaluations to show the jury exactly what was taken from you.
Do not let an insurance adjuster put a discount on your suffering. Call Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (844) 876-4357 to demand the full compensation you deserve.
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