If you have been hit by a Greyhound bus or any other bus carrier service when traveling on a highway and it is not your fault you may be able to claim compensation from the driver to cover you for the financial hardship caused by the accident.
You may need a personal injury attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
Claiming Pain and Suffering in a Bus Carriers Service Accident
One of the key parts of a compensation claim is pain and suffering, which is a combination of both physical pain and suffering and mental pain and suffering.
Physical pain and suffering is defined as the suffering from the victim’s physical injuries. This is mainly the pain, but also the discomfort suffered due to the injuries which could last well into the future.
Mental pain and suffering includes a number of features that are directly related to the impact of the injuries in the accident such as:
- mental anguish;
- emotional distress;
- failure to enjoy life;
- fear;
- humiliation;
- anxiety;
- shock.
All these factors are taken into consideration when calculating an amount for pain and suffering in a PI claim.
How to Calculate Pain And Suffering
There is no fixed way of calculating the amount that should be awarded for pain and suffering.
If the PI case ends up in court the amount reached is based on a fair figure as determined by the juries who are given the responsibility for arriving at a decision.
Sometimes, in an out of court settlement, the value of pain and suffering is calculated by using a multiplier based on the victim’s lost earnings and medical bills.
This is more commonplace where the PI settlement is unlikely to exceed $50,000.
A multiplier of between 1.5 and 4.0 is used of the total amount claimed for medical costs and lost earnings.
Other factors are often used which are more subjective such as whether it is considered that the victim has sufficient evidence that proves the extent of his/her pain and suffering.
The victim’s physician is sometimes asked to comment on his/her patient’s pain and suffering and whether what the victim has said is realistic for the type of injuries.
Why You Need a PI Lawyer to Make a Claim
When filing a PI claim much of the settlement may be dependent on your pain and suffering as sometimes this can be life changing.
It is important to get a PI lawyer on your side who will vouch on your behalf for the extent of your pain and suffering.
Additional Resources
- Five Things to Do After You Were Hit By a Greyhound Bus*
- Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against Greyhound Lines
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Greyhound, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
