Guide
Pain and Suffering Basics in Auto Injury Claims
Quick answer
What non-economic damages mean and factors that often influence valuation discussions.
Economic vs non-economic losses
Economic damages include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages — often called pain and suffering — address physical pain, limitations, and life disruption. Not every state or insurance pathway treats them the same way.
Documentation that supports the narrative
- Consistent medical records describing pain levels and functional limits
- Physical therapy notes
- Journals of missed events or sleep disruption (factual, not exaggerated)
- Employer statements about modified duties
Multipliers are not magic formulas
Internet “multipliers” of medical bills are rough talk, not legal rules. Adjusters consider liability strength, injury type, prior conditions, and jury verdict trends in the venue. Treating online calculators as guarantees leads to disappointment.