In South Carolina personal injury lawsuits you will typically seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages account for the financial losses you sustained from an accident, such as medical bills, prescription medication costs, lost wages, and other damages with a direct monetary value. Non-economic damages on the other hand account for the losses resulting from the accident that don’t have a direct monetary value, like pain and suffering. 

Without an experienced attorney on your side, it can be very difficult to understand if 1) you qualify for non-economic damages and 2) how much compensation you can expect to recover for these losses.

Luckily, the South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC are here to help. For a free case evaluation to see what you may qualify for following an accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our award-winning legal team is here and ready to help – simply call our office now at (803) 888-2200 for a free case evaluation directly with a reputable attorney. Available for you 24/7.

What Are Some Examples of Things That Cause Pain and Suffering?

In South Carolina, you may qualify for compensation following an unexpected accident resulting in injury as long as you were found to be no more than 50% at-fault for the accident. 

Many different types of accidents can lead to pain and suffering, including but not limited to:

It is important to note that even if you were found partially at-fault for the accident, you may still qualify for compensation for your damages. The amount you may qualify for will depend on the percent you are found to be at fault.

To learn more, contact the team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC today. For your convenience, we are available 24/7 via phone.

Examples of Pain and Suffering 

Accidents lead to far more than physical injuries, financial burdens, and long recovery processes. In addition, they also impact a person’s mental and emotional health. When it comes to pain and suffering, only the injured person truly understands the impact that the accident and their injuries have on their life. Our lawyers will work with you to understand that burden and fight to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. 

While every case and every injury is unique, here are some common examples of pain and suffering damages that we fight to get our clients fairly compensated for every single day.

  1. Physical Pain 
  2. Mental Suffering
  3. Lost Enjoyment of Life
  4. Lost Quality of Life
  5. Physical Impairment
  6. Permanent Disfigurement
  7. Shock
  8. Anger
  9. Fear
  10. Inconvenience
  11. Insomnia
  12. Grief
  13. Anxiety
  14. Depression
  15. PTSD
  16. Emotional Distress
  17. Loss of Companionship
  18. And More.

While this list is a good starting point for understanding what pain and suffering compensation may be available to you, it is not all encompassing. For a better understanding of what you may qualify for, contact our team today.

How Much Is My Pain and Suffering Worth in a South Carolina Lawsuit?

In addition to seeking compensation for your economic damages after an accident resulting in injury, we will also seek compensation for your non-economic damages in the personal injury claim. It can be frustrating, but there is truly no set guideline for understanding the value of your pain and suffering. Instead, it is in your best interest to speak directly with a personal injury lawyer to understand more based on the specifics of your case.

How much compensation you qualify for may depend on various factors, such as:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Your health prior to the accident
  • How long your pain and suffering lasts
  • The impact of the accident on your daily life
  • Your age
  • And more.

It is important to note that South Carolina does not have a cap on pain and suffering compensation, meaning there is no limit to how much you can recover. However, there are exceptions to this, specifically if your case involves medical malpractice and/or a government entity. 

Proving Pain and Suffering in a South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

In order to prove your pain and suffering and the extent of the damages, your lawyer may gather necessary documents and optimize your claim, such as:

  • Your Testimony – Describing your injuries, physical pain, emotional trauma, the impact the injuries have on your life, and more.
  • Statements From Loved Ones – We may also gather statements from family, friends, and even coworkers that may help depict any changes in your personality, behaviors, work, demeanor, and more.
  • Medical Records – Many charts have a pain scale that indicate the amount of pain patients are in and can be helpful evidence in your claim.
  • Medical Staff Testimony – Sometimes doctors and physicians are able to provide a better explanation of the type and severity of pain that accompanies your specific injury and recovery process.
  • Mental Health Evaluations – Mental health providers can provide strong evidence for your claim, demonstrating how an injury impacts different areas of your life. 
  • Photographs, Videos, and other Visual Evidence – Hearing about an injury and seeing it can have completely different levels of impact.

Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have any questions about the contents of this article or think you may have a case, our attorneys have the resources and experience needed to help you. Simply call our office today at (803) 888-2200 or email info@ctlawsc.com. We are sorry that you are going through this, and we look forward to fighting to get you the best outcome possible for your case and your future.

Legally Reviewed By: Joseph O. Thickens

I’m Joe Thickens, and I’m a founder and personal injury attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. I primarily represent people who have been injured in car and truck accidents in Columbia and throughout the state of South Carolina. Our entire team is dedicated to getting accident victims the justice they deserve, including making sure they get compensated for all of the physical, financial, and emotional pain they’ve had to face as a result of an unexpected accident.

If you or a loved one has any questions following an accident, we’d be glad to help you understand your options under state law. We take great pride in our work and prioritize a great client experience. If you’d like more information, simply call our team at (803) 888-2200. We are available for you via phone 24/7.