What Is Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case?

When you’re hurt in an accident, the damage often goes beyond physical injuries. Pain and suffering refers to the emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life that often accompany physical harm. In Connecticut, you may be entitled to compensation for these intangible losses in a personal injury claim.

Types of Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering includes both physical and emotional impacts, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Insomnia
• Emotional distress from permanent scarring or disfigurement

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated?

There’s no exact formula, but two common methods are:

• Multiplier Method: Your economic damages (like medical bills) are multiplied by a number based on injury severity.
• Per Diem Method: A daily value is assigned and multiplied by the number of days you’ve suffered.

Evidence That Helps Your Case

To support a claim for pain and suffering, helpful evidence includes:

• Medical records
• Statements from mental health professionals
• Photos of injuries
• Testimony from family or friends
• A pain journal documenting your experience

Why Legal Help Matters

Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering. A skilled personal injury lawyer can ensure your non-economic damages are fairly assessed and negotiated as part of your claim.

At Alan Barry & Associates, we help clients across Connecticut get full compensation for all aspects of their injuries—both visible and invisible.

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