The phrase “pain and suffering” comes up frequently in legal proceedings involving personal injury. Under the law, a person who is injured may be entitled to be compensated for the pain and suffering they experience as a result of the injury.
But the phrase is pretty vague, right? How do courts in Texas decide how much you should be compensated for your pain and suffering after a car accident?
Calculating Pain and Suffering in Texas
In Texas, pain and suffering include:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional suffering
That means that a person who can document pain from physical injuries and/or the development or worsening of mental health disorders can claim compensation for their suffering from the party found to be at fault for causing the pain.
As experienced Houston metro car accident attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys, we know a number of different factors can figure into the calculation of pain and suffering, including:
- The immediate pain a person experiences after the injury
- The pain caused by essential medical treatment for the injury
- Chronic pain resulting from the injury
- Emotional and/or mental trauma that results from the injury or incident, including symptoms consistent with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Reduction in overall quality of life, including the hampering of normal activities, as a result of the injury or incident
After a Texas court has a full picture of the pain and suffering a person has experienced, a basic multiplier is used to come up with a monetary value. The court decides on the appropriate multiplier given the details of the case, with a multiplier of one representing the least amount of pain and suffering and five representing the most.
That means if your personal injury case is worth $20,000 in specific damages and the court assigns a multiplier of five, your damages for pain and suffering would be $100,000.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover Damages for Pain and Suffering
At SJ Injury Attorneys, our Texas car accident attorneys know that even the very best drivers have to share the roads with some of the absolute worst. If you’ve been harmed due to the negligent actions of another driver, you can have peace of mind knowing we have a team of experienced attorneys for weather-related car wrecks in Pasadena ready to pursue your interests in a court of law. We have been proudly serving clients throughout Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding areas.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Pasadena, Texas Auto Accident Attorneys
At SJ Injury Attorneys, our Texas auto accident attorney team provides aggressive and effective representation. If you’ve been harmed due to the negligent actions of another driver, or have suffered a work or refinery personal injury, you can have peace of mind knowing you are legally entitled to compensation for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. We proudly serve clients throughout Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding areas.
Contact our office online or give us a call at (936) 297-7972 to discuss your options today!