In news stories about personal injury cases, you’ll often hear that plaintiffs receive compensation for pain and suffering. Confusion sometimes arises about how to put a price tag on loss or pain. If you or your family have a legal claim for pain and suffering based on a personal injury caused by another’s negligence, here’s what you need to know about lawsuit funding.
Portland State Settles Over Campus Police Incident
On June 29, 2018, 45-year-old Navy veteran Jason Washington was outside the Cheerful Tortoise bar when a fight broke out. As he tried to separate the brawlers, a holstered gun he was carrying fell to the ground.
Fearing it might fall into the wrong hands, Washington instinctively reached for the weapon. As he did, gunfire exploded around him. Two Portland State University police officers, James Dewey and Shawn McKenziew responded to the dispute. Officers ended up firing at Washington nine times, killing him.
A grand jury later cleared the officers of any wrongdoing, but they’ve since left the force.
Seeking restitution for pain and suffering caused by the loss of their loved one, Washington’s family planned to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Upon learning of the possible litigation, PSU agreed to pay them $1 million in a settlement. Per the agreement, the family will not pursue further litigation.
What Is a Pain and Suffering Settlement?
Pain and suffering can come in two forms:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: refers to personal injuries caused by another’s negligence, and any other adverse physical consequences of the injury the plaintiff may suffer in the future.
- Mental Pain and Suffering: refers to the current and possible future psychological impact of the injury, which can lead to shock, fear, anxiety, and sometimes even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does the Legal System Calculate a Pain and Suffering Settlement?
To get a rough estimate of a pain and suffering settlement total, the court may multiply the amount of quantifiable damages by a number between 1.5 and 4. Since there are no specific rules for calculating the cost of pain and suffering, juries have considerable leeway to arrive at a figure. Another technique, the “per diem” method, assigns a dollar amount to each day of pain and suffering.
Although it can’t reverse the effects of another’s negligence, a pain and suffering settlement acknowledges the loss and reduced quality of life to individuals affected. If you or your family member have a legal claim for pain and suffering, contact LawCash today to see if you qualify for pre settlement funding. That lawsuit funding will give you the money you need to fully pursue your lawsuit, and achieve the highest possible award, without feeling pressure to settle your claim for less because you have to pay everyday bills. LawCash will only receive money in return for its funding if you resolve your claim favorably in a settlement or at trial.