Bodily injury in a car accident can have distinct economic costs, such as medical expenses and lost wages. But the unseen effects can be just as real and sometimes longer lasting. Chief among these is pain and suffering — the physical and mental anguish that an accident victim might experience currently and in the future. Pain and suffering is considered by insurance adjusters as well as by juries in deciding how much compensation a victim should receive. Unlike broken bones, organ injuries or nerve damage, however, pain and suffering is difficult to measure and prove.

There are two types of pain and suffering for which compensation might awarded:

1. Physical pain — This comprises the physical discomfort and distress experienced by the victim, including pain caused by ongoing medical treatments and therapy.
2. Emotional suffering — This encompasses mental and psychic distress, such as anxiety, depression and loss of enjoyment of life. It can include sexual dysfunction.

Proving pain and suffering starts with showing a bodily injury resulted from the car accident. Medical records must document the injury, its cause and a diagnosis.

But pain and suffering is subjective and so must be substantiated by other types of proof, such as:

• Expert testimony — A doctor or other health care provider who treated the victim can testify about the severity of the injuries and the prognosis for recovery. A physical therapist or kinesthesiologist can testify about the impact of the injuries on the victim's mobility and dexterity.
• Diary or journal entries — Personal accounts by the victim, including a daily journal of their experiences, can help support their claims about pain and its impact on their lives.
• Witness testimony — Statements from family, friends, or healthcare providers can corroborate the victim's experiences and provide additional insights into the impact of the injuries.

Because pain and suffering is hard to prove objectively, attorneys and insurance adjusters use two primary methods to calculate them:

1. Per diem method — A daily dollar amount is assigned to the victim's pain and suffering, based on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim's life. That amount is then multiplied by the expected length of the recovery period.
2. Multiplier method — The victim's economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are multiplied by a factor of 1 to 5. The multiplier is based on the severity of the injuries and the overall impact on the victim's life.

Automobile accident attorneys might use both methods and compare the results in order to come up with a figure that can serve as a basis for claim negotiation.

If you have been seriously hurt in a car crash, the lawyers at Pikrallidas & Probasco can get you the compensation you need and deserve. We have offices in Fairfax, Manassas, Centreville and Front Royal, serving Virginia and Washington, D.C. Please call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online for a free consultation.