When you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. This includes not just the obvious things like medical bills and car repairs, but also the pain and suffering you’ve endured. But how do you put a dollar amount on something as subjective as pain and suffering?

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping injury victims in Louisiana for 30 years. Our promise is “I’ll be with you every step of the way,” and that includes understanding how pain and suffering is calculated and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of your injuries. It’s not just about the medical bills; it’s about how the injury has affected your life.

Types of Pain and Suffering:

• Physical pain: This includes the actual pain you feel from your injuries, both immediately after the accident and any ongoing pain you may experience.
• Emotional distress: This can include things like:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Fear
  • PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

How is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Louisiana?

Unlike some states, Louisiana doesn’t have a specific formula for calculating pain and suffering. It’s a more subjective process.

Here are some factors that are considered:

• Severity of your injuries: More severe injuries generally lead to greater compensation for pain and suffering.
• Impact on your life: How has the injury affected your ability to work, participate in activities you enjoy, or maintain relationships?
• Length of recovery: A longer recovery period often means more pain and suffering.
• The circumstances of the accident: If the accident was particularly traumatic or involved gross negligence, it may increase the value of your pain and suffering claim.
• Visible scarring or disfigurement: These can have a significant emotional impact.

Methods Used to Calculate Pain and Suffering

While there’s no set formula, here are some common methods used to estimate pain and suffering:

• The Multiplier Method: This involves multiplying your economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your injuries. For example, if your medical bills are $10,000 and the multiplier is 3, your pain and suffering could be valued at $30,000.
• The Per Diem Method: This assigns a daily value to your pain and suffering, often based on your daily lost wages. This daily amount is then multiplied by the number of days you’ve experienced pain and suffering.

Statistics: The Value of Pain and Suffering in Personal Injury Cases

• Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, can be a significant portion of a personal injury settlement. In some cases, they can even exceed the amount of economic damages.
• The average personal injury settlement in the U.S. varies widely, but a significant portion of these settlements includes compensation for pain and suffering.
• Studies show that individuals with legal representation tend to recover more compensation for pain and suffering than those who handle their claims alone.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lafayette LA

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Lafayette LA can help you:

• Accurately assess the value of your pain and suffering claim.
• Gather evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
• Negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers: Your Advocate for Pain and Suffering

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we understand the significant impact that pain and suffering can have on your life. We’re committed to:

• Thoroughly documenting your injuries and their impact on your life.
• Aggressively negotiating with the insurance company to maximize your compensation.
• Fighting for your rights in court if necessary.

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Your Pain and Suffering

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t underestimate the value of your pain and suffering. Contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.