How Does Pain and Suffering Compensation Work in Pennsylvania?

When claiming personal injury compensation, you need to know the full scope of what you’re entitled to, or you might miss out! One type of compensation available in personal injury claims is called “pain and suffering.” Pain and suffering can be a large part of your personal injury compensation, but it can also be complicated to claim.

There are two types of pain and suffering: physical and mental.

Physical pain and suffering is the pain from actual physical injuries. It includes not just the pain and discomfort that the accident victim has endured, but also the negative physical effects that he or she is likely to suffer in the future as a result of the accident.

Mental pain and suffering results from the accident victim’s physical injuries, but it is more of a by-product of those bodily injuries, and can be summed up as any kind of negative emotion that an accident victim suffers as a result of enduring the physical pain and trauma of the accident. Mental pain and suffering can include mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, fear, anger, humiliation, anxiety, shock, anger, depression, loss of appetite, lack of energy, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and more. Severe mental pain and suffering can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Like physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering can also cover the negative mental conditions that the victim will likely suffer in the future as a result of the accident.

How do juries and judges award pain and suffering?  

According to FindLaw, because there is no dollar amount immediately associated with pain and suffering, awards are considered non-economic (or “general”) damages.

Some of the factors that may be considered when attempting to place a dollar value on pain and suffering include:

  • How much will the injured party’s daily routine be limited or altered?
  • Will the injury impact relationships at home or work?
  • How does the pain or injury affect sleep or other lifestyle factors?
  • Will the injury impact the victim in the long term?

There are many other factors that judges could use to determine pain and suffering compensation. It’s important to have an attorney’s help if you want the courts to rule in your favor.

Because pain and suffering is so complex, victims often walk away with less than they deserve. But this doesn’t have to happen to you!

How to Successfully Claim Compensation 

The best way to ensure maximum compensation is to start working with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Were you involved in a car crash or other accident in Pittsburgh, PA? If you’ve been injured in any type of accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s time to claim the full compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for anything less! Call (412) 918-1241 or message us online.

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

The Mitchell Building

304 Ross Street, Suite 510

Pittsburgh, PA, 15219

Phone: (412) 918-1241

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