Wisconsin personal injury victims can seek money for pain and suffering when another party’s negligence harms them. But what does pain and suffering mean, and how much can you get in a personal injury lawsuit? That’s a question with no easy answer.
There is no average settlement for pain and suffering because every case is different. You can calculate your medical bills and lost wages pretty easily, but how do you put a dollar value on emotional distress or pain and suffering? A personal injury lawyer in Wisconsin can evaluate your losses so you demand appropriate compensation for these intangible yet very real losses.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering encompasses the physical and emotional hardships you experience after an accident. It includes:
- Physical pain – The actual bodily discomfort and pain from your injuries, both immediate and ongoing
- Emotional distress – The psychological effects of your injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Lost enjoyment of life – The ways your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with family
- Sleep issues – Insomnia resulting from physical pain or emotional trauma
- Relationship strain – Changes in your personal relationships due to your injuries, including effects on your marriage or ability to care for your children
Living with these challenges can create a significant burden that deserves fair compensation. While no amount of money can fully compensate for your suffering, obtaining a fair settlement can help you focus on recovery without financial stress.
How Pain and Suffering Settlements Are Calculated
Insurance companies and courts use several methods to determine appropriate compensation for pain and suffering. The most common approaches to calculating pain and suffering settlements include:
- Similar cases – An experienced personal injury lawyer has worked on thousands of cases, and their experience is a helpful guide in determining the fair value of your injuries.
- Per diem method – Assigns a daily rate for your pain and suffering and multiplies it by the number of days you experienced these difficulties
- Unique circumstances – Considers specific factors like permanent disabilities, scarring, or psychological trauma that affect your quality of life
What Is the Average Settlement for Pain and Suffering in Wisconsin?
Settlement amounts for pain and suffering compensation in Wisconsin vary widely based on the specific details of each case. Key factors that affect settlement amounts include:
- Severity and permanence of your injuries
- Length of your recovery period
- Impact on your daily activities and lifestyle
- Strength of evidence supporting your claim
- Quality of your medical documentation
- Available insurance coverage
Consulting an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney can give you a reasonable estimate of how much your claim is worth.
Why Work With a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer?
At LawtonCates, we understand the complex nature of pain and suffering claims. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Gather strong evidence to support your claim
- Work with medical experts to document your injuries
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
- Guide you through every step of the legal process
For over 60 years, our team has helped numerous accident victims secure fair compensation for their pain and suffering. We combine our extensive litigation experience with personalized attention to fight for settlements that make a difference in your life. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney.
