“Pain and suffering” is a common term used in personal injury claims. It can refer to a wide range of persistent issues that impact the victim’s quality of life or ability to function. While some states impose a cap on the amount of money that pain and suffering are worth, Connecticut is not one.
A personal injury lawsuit seeks financial compensation for treatment after the injury as well as future medical bills. Another critical issue is lost income due to not working during recovery, or future lost earnings if the victim does not fully recover from the injuries and cannot earn income at the same or an increased level if they had a promising future.
Defining it
There can also be extensive damages if the victims claim there are pain and suffering. Some common examples include:
- Physical pain from your injury: Chronic pain can often lead to other physical and mental issues.
- The loss of the ability to enjoy life and perform life’s activities: This can mean that certain beloved activities are no longer possible, such as playing golf because of a bad back caused by a car crash.
- Emotional distress and suffering caused by the injury: Some people physically recover from their injuries, but they are deeply traumatized by what they experienced and continue to endure.
The more severe and permanent injuries lead to a higher amount of damages for the victim’s pain and suffering.
It is not easy to prove
Pain and suffering can be the largest component of a personal injury case, but it often takes an attorney and expert witnesses to prove these types of injuries as severe, debilitating and deserving of substantial compensation. Fortunately, Connecticut is a state that takes the issue of pain and suffering seriously.