Personal injuries in Florida are typically a result of other people’s negligence. At Mendes, Reins & Wilander, we ensure that our personal injury attorneys will dedicate time and attention to achieve the best results for you.
If you suffered a personal injury, understanding what pain and suffering damages mean is in your best interest.
Here, we’re sharing what pain and suffering damages refer to and what you might be entitled to as a personal injury sufferer:
What Do Pain and Suffering Damages Refer to in Florida?
Pain and suffering are complex concepts that refer to the physical, emotional, and mental distress a person experiences due to an injury or accident. In Florida, pain and suffering damages are a type of compensation that is awarded to individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. These damages are intended to compensate the victim for their non-economic losses, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical pain.
Understanding Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering damages are compensatory damages awarded to an injured person to compensate them for the harm they have suffered. These damages are intended to provide financial compensation for non-economic losses that cannot be measured in terms of money. Pain and suffering damages can be awarded in addition to economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Types of Pain and Suffering Damages
Two types of pain and suffering damages can be awarded in Florida: physical pain and suffering and mental pain and suffering. Physical pain and suffering refers to the actual physical pain that a person experiences as a result of an injury. This can include pain from broken bones, cuts, bruises, and other physical injuries.
Mental pain and suffering, on the other hand, refers to the emotional and psychological distress that a person experiences as a result of an injury. This can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions.
Factors That Affect Pain and Suffering Damages
Several factors can affect the amount of pain and suffering damages that a person may be awarded in Florida. These factors include the severity of the injury, the duration of the pain and suffering, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and the extent of the medical treatment needed to treat the injury. In some cases, a person may also be awarded punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoer for their actions.
Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages
Calculating pain and suffering damages is a complex process that requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney. In Florida, there is no specific formula for calculating pain and suffering damages, and the amount awarded can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case. However, there are some general guidelines that courts and juries may use to determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
One common method used to calculate pain and suffering damages is the multiplier method. This involves multiplying the victim’s economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, by a certain factor, such as 1.5 or 2, to arrive at an appropriate amount of compensation for pain and suffering. Another method is the per diem method, which involves assigning a daily rate to the victim’s pain and suffering and multiplying it by the number of days they are expected to experience it.
Conclusion
Pain and suffering damages are an important type of compensation that can help victims of personal injury accidents recover from their non-economic losses. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to consult with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. With the right legal representation, you can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
The personal injury lawyers at Mendes, Reins & Wilander have extensive experience in handling major and catastrophic injury cases, as well as nursing home and assisted living neglect and abuse, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of accident or believe you have been the victim of neglect or abuse, please contact our Tampa personal injury attorney for a consultation!