Calculating compensation for pain and suffering in Texas

A personal injury lawsuit can recover monetary compensation for personal and property damages sustained because of someone else’s negligence. The types of damages can include medical bills, damage to property, lost income, and pain and suffering. Pain and suffering are subjective experiences that are difficult to calculate since there is no receipt or bill for this type of loss. Instead, a different method is used in Texas to determine its value.

Pain and suffering explained

Pain and suffering are damages that can be pursued in a personal injury lawsuit for the long-term effects that an accident and injury have on a victim’s life. Damages that fall under pain and suffering are usually confined to two types of damages: physical and mental pain.

Physical pain and suffering

Physical pain and suffering can be temporary or chronic. When they become chronic, the discomfort and reduced mobility can last for years following an accident or for the rest of the victims’ lives. Thus, it can be difficult or impossible to perform tasks at work or engage in favorite activities and hobbies.

Mental pain and suffering

Chronic pain can lead to psychological complications after an injury accident. These complications can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Mood swings
• Lack of energy
• Sleep problems, and more.

Each of these complications can make it difficult to cope with daily life. In general, the more severe the injury, the greater the pain and suffering award will be.

The multiplier method

In Texas, the multiplier method is the most-common technique used to calculate pain and suffering damages. The multiplier method calculates all your injury-related economic damages, such as medical bills, damage to property, and lost wages. That amount is then multiplied by a certain rate between 1.5 and 5, depending upon the severity of your injuries.

For instance, if economic damages total $10,000 and a judge or jury decides to use a multiplier of 2, the amount of pain and suffering damages would be $20,000. With the $10,000 in economic damages, the total compensation would be $30,000.

Contact J. Gonzalez today

Don’t navigate your personal injury compensation alone. The opposing party, usually an insurance provider, will try to get you to settle out of court for much less than you deserve. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are here to fight for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You can reach us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.