Insight

Is Pain and Suffering Different From Medical Bills?

If you were hurt in an accident, you’re probably curious about the damages you might receive from a successful personal injury claim.

Charles V. Vaughan, Jr.

Charles V. Vaughan, Jr.

January 6, 2024 10:55 AM

If you require a considerable amount of medical attention and experience significant pain and discomfort from your injuries, you also might ask yourself if compensation for pain and suffering is separate from medical bills.

According to the Indiana personal injury lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan, pain and suffering is separate from medical bills. Both are different types of damages you can receive after an accident caused by another person. A lawyer from our firm can explain the difference between these damages and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Understanding The Difference Between Medical Bills And Pain And Suffering

To understand how pain and suffering is different from medical bills, you’ll want to learn more about both types of compensatory damages. Once you’ve done so, you’ll know much more about your personal injury case and can make smart decisions throughout the claims process.

Pain And Suffering

Pain and suffering accounts for the struggles you face due to your injuries. Compensation for pain and suffering can help you cope with the following challenges:

  • Decreased quality of life caused by chronic pain, lack of mobility, and other impacts of your injuries
  • Mental health issues that have resulted from the pain and discomfort you’ve been burdened with
  • Lack of independence due to reduced mobility

Medical Bills

Compensation for medical bills typically covers economic losses exclusively. Such economic losses are strictly related to your medical treatment and physical recovery after an accident. If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for the following forms of medical treatment:

  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Hospital visits
  • Ambulance transportation
  • Prescription medications
  • Assistive devices
  • Rehabilitative therapy
  • Future medical care

How Much You Can Receive For Pain And Suffering In Indiana

Physical pain from a car accident, truck collision, or another type of personal injury incident can impact almost every aspect of your life. Fortunately, a winning insurance claim or civil suit can give you the money you need to cope with your physical suffering and discomfort.

While there’s no set amount of compensation you can expect to receive from pain and suffering damages, a lawyer can review the details of your situation and calculate how much you should be awarded. They’ll ask you about the pain you’ve experienced, how it has impacted your daily life, and if your mental health has been impacted by it.

They’ll use the answers you provide, other details from your accident, and special calculations to determine how much compensation you should receive for the physical pain you’ve been dealing with.

Cap On Pain And Suffering Damages

Whether you’re seeking compensation for medical bills or pain and suffering, it’s important to know how much claimants in your position are legally permitted to receive from a claim. To find out what the maximum amount you’re able to recover is, you’ll want to research what the cap is on pain and suffering damages.

When it comes to personal injury claims, Indiana does not have a cap. However, if you’re seeking compensation from the state for pain, you’ll be able to receive as much as $700,000. If you’re filing a medical malpractice claim, the cap on pain and suffering will be $1.25 million.

How An Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation For Pain And Suffering

If you’re dealing with a painful injury, you probably don’t have time to file an insurance claim or seek damages in court. Instead, your time would be better spent attending medical appointments and getting the rest you need to recover from your injuries.

Fortunately, a personal injury attorney from Indiana can take the steps required to recover compensation for your injuries, bills, and losses. They’ll handle the entirety of your case so you have the time you need to focus on what’s most important. Here’s what they’ll do to ensure you get compensation to make up for your pain and suffering and medical bills:

  • Collect evidence of your accident
  • Analyze evidence and use it to build a strong personal injury case
  • File a claim with the insurance company
  • Negotiate with insurers to reach a fair settlement agreement
  • Take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t pay
  • Fight for your pain and suffering damages and other forms of compensation
  • Meet relevant filing deadlines and abide by other state laws

If your attorney is able to complete the steps mentioned above, it’s highly likely that you’ll receive a fair payment for your losses. To get the representation you need to file a successful claim, get in touch with an attorney you can trust today.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another person, you’ll want to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so can ensure that deadlines are met and that evidence from your accident doesn’t go missing. Contact us today to give yourself the best chance of making a full physical and financial recovery from your accident.

Vaughan & Vaughan has served injured individuals like yourself for over 100 years. We have the legal knowledge required to explain why pain and suffering is separate from medical bills. We also have the experience to file a strong claim on your behalf and fight for the damages you need to get back on your feet after a bad accident.

Trending Articles

Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.

Australia flag over outline of country

Best Lawyers Expands 2024 Brazilian Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Brazil™ and the first edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil™.

Image of Brazil city and water from sky

The Best Lawyers in Mexico Celebrates a Milestone Year


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico™ for 2024.

Sky view of Mexico city scape

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

Announcing The Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ 2025 Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is announcing the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in New Zealand for 2025, including individual Best Lawyers and "Lawyer of the Year" awards.

New Zealand flag over image of country outline

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide is now live and includes recognitions for all Best Lawyers family law awards. Read below and explore the legal guide.

Man entering home and hugging two children in doorway

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

For a milestone 15th edition, Best Lawyers is proud to announce The Best Lawyers in Japan.

Japan flag over outline of country

The Best Lawyers in Singapore™ 2025 Edition


by Best Lawyers

For 2025, Best Lawyers presents the most esteemed awards for lawyers and law firms in Singapore.

Singapore flag over outline of country

Canada Makes First Foray Into AI Regulation


by Sara Collin

As Artificial Intelligence continues to rise in use and popularity, many countries are working to ensure proper regulation. Canada has just made its first foray into AI regulation.

People standing in front of large, green pixelated image of buildings

Commingling Assets


by Tamires M. Oliveira

Commingling alone does not automatically turn an otherwise immune asset into an asset subject to marital distribution as explained by one family law lawyer.

Toy house and figure of married couple standing on stacks of coins

How Much Is a Lawyer Consultation Fee?


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers breaks down the key differences between consultation and retainer fees when hiring an attorney, a crucial first step in the legal process.

Client consulting with lawyer wearing a suit

The Hague Convention and International Custody Battles


by Alexandra Goldstein

One family law lawyer explains how Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s celebrity divorce brings The Hague Convention treaty and international child custody battles into the spotlight.

Man and woman celebrities wearing black and standing for photo

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers' Compensation Legal Guide provides exclusive access to all Best Lawyers awards in related practice areas. Read below and explore the legal guide.

Illustration of several men and women in shades of orange and teal

New York Passes 9/11 Notice Act


by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers highlights the newly enacted 9/11 Notice Act, which seeks to find individuals eligible for medical care coverage under different federal programs.

Firefighter stands with their back turned with flames in the background

Filing For Divorce in North Carolina


by Melody J. King

Family law lawyer Melody King answers some of the most important questions individuals may have about filing for divorce in North Carolina.

Illustration of man and woman on paper that has been torn apart