The damage caused by a car accident extends beyond property damage and medical bills. In this article, NYC personal injury attorneys Glenn and Robin Herman explain the purpose of personal injury compensation and how damages are calculated.

Definition of pain and suffering

Pain and suffering are important terms in personal injury law. It includes physical and mental distress related to an injury or illness caused by the negligence of another person. Compensation for pain and suffering is the amount of money a plaintiff may receive in a personal injury lawsuit because of his or her suffering caused by the negligent action of another person. Compensation for pain and suffering usually includes:

• The physical pain/discomfort caused by the injuries sustained in the accident

• The physical pain/discomfort caused by the medical treatment required to treat accidental injuries

• The unpleasant effects that the physical pain/discomfort has on the victim’s life, including insomnia, anxiety or depression

• Any other impact of the injuries on the life of the victim, such as B. Loss of zest for life, inability to pursue hobbies and impact on personal/family life

What is the purpose of compensation for pain and suffering?

When you’ve been injured in an accident of any kind, be it a car crash, slip and fall due to medical error or the negligence of another party, the damage goes well beyond the financial cost of medical bills. You may even lose your wages and future earning potential. In addition, the physical and mental pain caused by the accident affects your well-being. The purpose of punitive damages is to compensate for the pain, suffering and trauma suffered by a plaintiff as a result of a…