Non-Economic Damages and Pain and Suffering

In a personal injury case, compensation can be broken down into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

What are economic damages? What are non-economic damages?

Economic damages are pretty straightforward. These are concrete, quantifiable losses that the injured person incurred. A common subset of economic damages is medical cost, and an injured person can often recover compensation for medical expenses. Other subsets include lost wages and property damage. Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify. These are the kind of damages that don’t come with a dollar amount because they are not inherently monetary. Pain and suffering falls under non-economic damages.

What is pain and suffering? What does it include?

Pain and suffering is an umbrella term used to refer to certain non-economic damages, including mental and emotional anguish, loss of consortium, and disfigurement. The true cost of an injury is often greater than just the money needed for medical treatment, which is why an injured person can demand compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering in Washington State.

How is the dollar value calculated?

There is no precise formula for calculating non-economic damages.  Outcomes can vary greatly depending on the nuances of each unique case. This is one of the many reasons why you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you figure out the right number and maximize your recovery. Call us at (360) 876-4800 to schedule a no cost consultation with one of our excellent attorneys.