It is overwhelming and traumatizing to be injured in an auto accident in San Francisco is overwhelming and traumatizing. Physical pain and emotional trauma can be challenging to cope with. And this is why pain and suffering damages are available to victims.
While compensation for all the economic damages will cover the expenses for medical bills and other financial losses, what about all the pain you had to endure? You should be compensated for that as well.
San Francisco personal injury lawyers can calculate compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by an accident to get you reimbursed fairly.
Let’s see how San Francisco auto accident lawyers make these calculations and why the monetary reimbursement for these non-economic damages matters.
What Is “Pain and Suffering”?
Pain and suffering, often dubbed as “non-economic damages,” refer to physical and emotional distress suffered from the injury or accident, including pain, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, mental anguish, emotional distress, and humiliation.
In California, victims of car crashes or other personal injury accidents can get reimbursed for any pain and suffering they had to go through.
Auto accident lawyers help victims recover for their pain and suffering damages as part of their compensation claims. The amount awarded for non-economic damages is usually based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life.
How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated By San Francisco Personal Injury Attorneys?
In personal injury cases, lawyers factor in pain and suffering damages when calculating a fair compensation sum to reimburse a victim for any physical and emotional trauma caused by an accident.
However, these damages are not easily quantifiable, and thus, determining an exact amount for compensation can be difficult. Pain and suffering damages will vary depending on the specific case.
Generally, lawyers calculate pain and suffering damages by looking at the victim’s medical bills and examining the severity of the injury. They may also consider other factors such as lost wages, physical limitations, mental anguish, and the overall impact of the accident on the victim’s life.
Sometimes, a lawyer might even bring in expert witnesses to testify on the victim’s behalf.
Be sure to hire a qualified attorney who is familiar with the process to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Factors Influence the Amount of Compensation for Pain And Suffering?
San Francisco personal injury attorneys consider several factors when calculating pain and suffering damages.
These include:
- The nature and extent of the injury
- The extent of medical treatment required
- The expected duration of physical and emotional trauma
- Any other long-term effects.
The victim’s age, job history, and lifestyle before the injury will also be considered.
Additionally, a lawyer may look at the accident’s severity to determine an appropriate amount for pain and suffering damages.
For example, suppose a victim suffered a severe traumatic brain injury from an accident caused by a drunk driver. In that case, they may be entitled to more compensation than someone who suffered minor injuries from a minor collision.
The Multiplier Method
The Multiplier Method is an equation that multiplies the entire amount of economic damages suffered by the plaintiff by a multiplier (between 1.5 and 5). The jury will determine the multiplier based on the severity of the harm, the recklessness of the defendant’s acts, and other criteria.
For example, if the plaintiff is granted $200,000 in economic damages and the jury selects a multiplier of four for a serious injury, the pain and suffering damage judgment is $800,000.
How to Prove Pain and Suffering?
When pursuing a personal injury case, it is essential to prove the pain and suffering you experienced due to the accident. This task can be difficult, as it is often subjective, but there are ways to demonstrate your pain and suffering.
Medical Documentation
One way to prove pain and suffering is through medical documentation. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment following the accident can be very helpful in providing evidence of both physical and mental suffering.
Witness Testimony
Another important way to prove pain and suffering is through witness testimony.
Having other people who have witnessed your condition can be very beneficial in your case. Friends, family, co-workers, or anyone else who has seen you suffer can attest to the extent of your pain and suffering in court.
Personal Journals
Personal journals or diaries can also help demonstrate your pain and suffering. Writing about how the accident has impacted your life can provide insight into the physical and mental pain you have endured.
Photos and Videos
Photographs or videos of your injuries taken at different stages of recovery may be used in court to demonstrate the severity of your situation.
With the proper evidence, it is possible to demonstrate the true extent of your suffering.
How Can I Get Fairly Compensated for My Pain And Suffering?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Francisco, one of your primary goals will be to maximize the compensation you can receive for pain and suffering. It can be difficult to accurately quantify the impact of an injury on a person’s life.
A qualified and experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer will guide you through the steps to maximize your recovery from pain and suffering damages. They’ll also ask you to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include medical records and reports, witness statements, and photos or videos of your injuries.
Your lawyer will also work with medical experts who can testify to the effects of the accident on your mental and physical health and estimate any ongoing or future medical costs.
It is essential to keep detailed records of all communications, including correspondence between you and your insurance company, as well as details of any conversations with witnesses, medical professionals, and other parties involved in your case.
The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be.
Contact a San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyer Right Now!
Your San Francisco auto accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and will strive to secure maximum compensation for your claim. We can suggest counter-offers if the original settlement amount is not enough to cover your damages.
An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer from our firm can ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other costs associated with the accident.
With the right legal representation, you can maximize your recovery for pain and suffering damages and get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free-of-cost initial consultation for your case – no obligations!