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Thomas Carroll Blauvelt

The role of the pain and suffering multiplier in injury claims

If someone else’s negligence or recklessness in an accident causes you harm, you may be able to recover compensation. Part of the compensation you may be entitled to is “pain and suffering.”

However, as an intangible factor, many people wonder how compensation for this is calculated. The answer lies with the pain and suffering multiplier. Learn more about it and how it works here.

The pain and suffering multiplier

The pain and suffering multiplier is a multiplier applied to a plaintiff’s economic damages in a personal injury case. Economic damages typically include medical bills, lost wages and other quantifiable financial losses. However, the multiplier is specifically designed to account for the intangible losses experienced by the plaintiff, such as physical pain, emotional distress and the overall suffering resulting from the injury.

Calculating the multiplier

Determining the exact value of the pain and suffering multiplier can be complex. It is often influenced by several factors, including the severity of the injury and the degree of negligence on the defendant’s part. Generally, the more severe the injury and the higher the degree of negligence, the larger the multiplier.

The significance of the multiplier

The pain and suffering multiplier is important in personal injury cases, like car accidents. It acknowledges that the impact of an injury extends beyond just financial losses. It recognizes that individuals who suffer injuries also endure physical and emotional pain, which deserves compensation.

The pain and suffering multiplier is a significant component in calculating compensation. It bridges the gap between tangible economic losses and the intangible suffering experienced by plaintiffs. Knowing about this multiplier will help you better understand the compensation and how it is calculated for your case.

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