Understanding Pain and Suffering Damages in Florida Personal Injury Claims

Accidents bring about an array of problems for the victim and their family. Medical bills and lost wages are only one component of the many resulting stresses, though financial compensation after an accident is certainly a help.

Pain and suffering a type of non-economic damage that some victims may be able to recover. These are harms that are not measured purely using dollars and cents. Rather, pain and suffering require a more detailed examination of what they are and how they are calculated.

Breaking Down The Harm Considered For Pain And Suffering Compensation In Florida

Physical and emotional harms suffered by an injured person after an accident are what pain and suffering compensation is for.

In many accidents, an injured person will suffer significant physical injuries and pain both during the accident and afterwards. Recovery from major accidents means pain may continue to be suffered indefinitely.

Emotional problems arise frequently after accidents, as well. Trauma associated with the accident can lead to fears of driving or even riding in a motor vehicle. Activities that had previously given meaning to the lives of injured people are now difficult or impossible to partake in. All of these emotional aspects of life after an accident take away from the quality of life.

What Makes Pain And Suffering Difficult To Calculate

Economic damages have specific dollar values for an accident victim to pursue. For example, a hospital bill is in black and white, and the number of days or hours missed at a person’s job can be calculated.

On the other hand, compensation for pain and suffering is less straightforward to determine. Factors like the severity of the injuries suffered, the prognosis for recovery, and associated stress and trauma all play a part in determining the amount of pain and suffering in an accident case. 

How Can Pain And Suffering Be Proven In A Personal Injury Case?

Evidence is everything when proving pain and suffering. An injured person can claim any number of lost wages. However, it’s the quality of the evidence which goes to ultimately proves what can be recovered.

Medical records are important not only when attempting to prove economic damages, but also when proving pain and suffering. The medical diagnoses, treatment, and long-term prognosis for the injured person all relate to pain and suffering.

The testimony of family members can also provide a window into the difficult circumstances an injured person finds themselves in after an accident. A spouse, for example, can testify to their experiences with helping the injured person perform activities of daily living.

Experienced Fort Myers personal injury attorneys can help prove pain and suffering. Gathering evidence and effectively presenting a case in court are areas where an attorney can provide a real advantage for an injured person.

Advance Your Personal Injury Case And Protect Your Rights With Difilippo & Pica, PLLC

Do not take an opportunity to assert your rights for granted after being injured in an accident. The attorneys with Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, take the responsibility of serving their clients. Contact our office today for a free consultation. Learn about your options and how to best move forward with our team of legal professionals.