If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be a confusing and emotionally taxing process. You may find yourself asking questions about the legal options available to you, what compensation you may be entitled to, and how to handle the many aspects of recovery. Among the many concerns, one of the most important elements of your case is understanding how pain and suffering are handled in New Hampshire car accident claims.
At this point, you are likely seeking not only justice but also peace of mind. The law can be complex, and it can feel like you’re facing an uphill battle. This is where we come in. If you need assistance with your case, we want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm understands the worries you may be experiencing and is here to help you navigate the claims process. You deserve to have your pain and suffering properly addressed, and we will be by your side every step of the way, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
James J. Tenn, Jr.
Attorney
Mary Elizabeth Tenn
Attorney
John J. Tenn
Attorney
Working hard to obtain the best results possible for our clients and fighting to protect their rights.
What Is Pain and Suffering in Car Accident Claims?
Pain and suffering is a legal term used to describe the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury. When you are hurt in a car accident, the impact can go beyond just the physical injuries. Emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life are all part of the pain and suffering that many accident victims experience. In New Hampshire, these damages are considered part of the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Unlike medical expenses or property damage, pain and suffering is not something that can be easily measured with a specific dollar amount. This is why it often causes confusion for many accident victims. How do you calculate something as subjective as emotional distress or the constant pain from an injury that may affect your daily life for months or even years?
The Types of Pain and Suffering
There are many forms of pain and suffering that can result from a car accident. These can be divided into two broad categories: physical pain and emotional pain. Physical pain refers to the discomfort you experience due to your injuries. Whether it’s chronic pain from broken bones, back injuries, or ongoing medical treatment, physical pain can be severe and have a lasting impact on your quality of life.
Emotional pain, on the other hand, includes feelings such as anxiety, depression, and stress that often arise after a traumatic event like a car accident. The psychological toll of an accident can sometimes be just as significant as the physical injuries. Many people experience nightmares, fear of driving, or social isolation as a result of the trauma they’ve endured.
In New Hampshire, both types of pain and suffering are taken into account when evaluating a car accident claim. However, the challenge lies in proving these non-economic damages to the insurance company or, if necessary, to a jury. This is why it’s essential to have the right legal support to ensure your suffering is accurately represented and compensated.
How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated?
Unlike tangible damages, like medical bills or lost wages, calculating pain and suffering damages is more subjective. In New Hampshire, there is no fixed formula for determining pain and suffering. Each case is unique and evaluated based on its individual circumstances.
There are a few common methods used to calculate pain and suffering damages. One common approach is the multiplier method. Under this method, the total of your medical expenses and other economic damages is multiplied by a number that reflects the severity of your pain and suffering. The multiplier can range from 1.5 to 5, depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Another approach is the per diem method. This method involves assigning a daily value to your pain and suffering and multiplying that amount by the number of days you experience pain and discomfort from your injuries. This method can be more difficult to apply, as it requires a clear understanding of how much pain you are in on a daily basis.
While these methods provide a general framework, each case is different, and insurance companies or courts may use other factors to determine your pain and suffering compensation. It’s important to work with a legal team that understands the nuances of these calculations and can help you secure the compensation that truly reflects the suffering you’ve endured.
The Role of Evidence in Pain and Suffering Claims
To receive compensation for pain and suffering in a car accident claim, you must provide evidence that supports your claims of physical and emotional distress. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. Unlike medical bills or property damage, pain and suffering is inherently subjective, so it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case.
The evidence you may need can include medical records, photographs of your injuries, testimony from your treating doctors, and any psychological evaluations or counseling records. It can also include statements from family members, friends, and coworkers who have witnessed how your injuries have affected your life.
In some cases, a journal documenting your pain levels, emotional state, and how your injuries have interfered with your daily activities can be helpful. All of these pieces of evidence work together to provide a clear picture of the impact the accident has had on your life and can help you secure a fair amount of compensation for your pain and suffering.
How Our Firm Can Help You Secure the Compensation You Deserve
At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we understand the emotional and physical toll that a car accident can take on you. Navigating a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Our goal is to ensure that your pain and suffering are accurately represented and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
We approach each case with empathy and dedication, recognizing the unique challenges that come with each client’s situation. We will work with you to gather the necessary evidence, including medical records, testimonies, and other documentation, to build a strong case for your pain and suffering damages. Our team has the experience and resources needed to guide you through every step of the claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected.
If you have been injured in a car accident and are struggling with pain and suffering, it’s crucial to reach out for help. The legal process can be complex, but with the right support, you can achieve a successful outcome. Tenn And Tenn, PA is here to assist you. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.