When someone suffers a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, the impact goes far beyond medical bills and lost income. Physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment in daily life all fall under what is legally known as “pain and suffering.” These damages are not as easy to calculate as other losses but are just as important in a personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to another’s wrongdoing, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you understand your right to pursue compensation. Pain and suffering damages often make up a significant part of a claim, especially in cases involving severe or life-changing injuries. Knowing how these damages are assessed and proven is crucial to ensuring you receive full justice.
At JML Law, APLC, we have worked with clients experiencing long-term pain and emotional trauma. Nicholas Sarris, a dedicated advocate for injury victims, works closely with each client to understand how an injury has affected every aspect of their life. This includes anxiety, depression, loss of mobility, and other invisible challenges that often come with serious injuries.
What Are Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional distress a person experiences following an injury. It can include ongoing discomfort, nerve damage, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and more. These damages are non-economic, meaning they are not tied to an exact financial cost like hospital bills or therapy receipts.
Courts and insurance companies consider various factors when calculating pain and suffering. These include:
- The severity of the injury
- The length of recovery time
- The level of pain endured
- Whether the injury caused permanent disability
- The emotional impact on the victim’s daily life
Our legal team builds strong cases by gathering medical evidence, psychological evaluations, and expert testimony to support the value of these claims.
Proving Pain and Suffering
Proving these damages requires more than just showing a doctor’s bill. We often work with medical specialists, mental health professionals, and vocational experts who can speak to the physical and emotional consequences of an injury. Daily journals from clients detailing their pain levels and emotional struggles are also useful in building these claims.
We also use photographs, family statements, and evidence of lifestyle changes to show how the injury has affected a person’s ability to enjoy life, interact with others, and function daily.
How Pain and Suffering Impacts Compensation
Pain and suffering damages can significantly increase the total value of a personal injury settlement or verdict. There is no fixed formula for calculating these damages in California, so it’s important to have a skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can argue the full scope of what you have endured.
Insurance companies often try to downplay non-economic damages to limit payouts. Without legal representation, injury victims may end up accepting far less than what their suffering is truly worth.
Why Legal Representation Matters
When it comes to pain and suffering, every case is unique. No two people experience pain the same way, and that’s why we approach every case with personalized attention. At JML Law, APLC, we take the time to understand your specific injuries, your emotional journey, and how your life has changed since the accident.
We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve—not only to cover your expenses but to honor the emotional toll this injury has taken on your life.
Conclusion
If you’ve been seriously injured and are struggling with pain, anxiety, or trauma, don’t face it alone. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation at 818-610-8800, and let our team stand beside you every step of the way.