Accessing the Damages: Seeking Compensation for Pain and Suffering

If someone is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, that person is entitled to compensation for his or her damages. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Is Pain and Suffering?

Generally speaking, pain and suffering is the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury. But pain and suffering differs from financial damages such as bills and lost wages and is not calculated using bills and other economic costs. Nevertheless, it can be an important component of a fair settlement that restores the claimant to his or her original condition.

Injuries can be very painful. Additionally, they can be emotionally distressing, especially if they prevent a person from living a fulfilling life. Even something as simple as a broken bone can cause significant emotional distress if it keeps that person from doing the things he or she enjoys or living an independent life.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

You deserve compensation if you cannot live your life to the fullest. But claiming pain and suffering can be difficult. Insurance companies sometimes dispute the calculation of this specific type of damage. Filing a successful claim takes providing ample documentation of your pain and suffering as it applies to your life and specific injury.

Calculating Compensation

Every person’s pain and suffering differs. Again, pain and suffering do not have a direct financial impact like bills do. With that in mind, you should speak with a personal injury attorney if you are seeking compensation for pain and suffering. Calculating a fair amount for your pain and suffering takes experience and an understanding of personal injury law in Illinois. An attorney will consider your medical bills and other direct financial losses when calculating your pain and suffering. Your financial losses are a good place to start when determining the financial value of your total experience.

You deserve fair compensation for all your losses. However, when dealing with insurance companies, you may face some resistance if you try to claim pain and suffering. Work closely with a personal injury attorney when claiming pain and suffering. An attorney can make sure you receive a full and fair settlement.