Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

What is the industry standard in asking for pain and suffering after an auto accident? I know years ago it used to be 3x the medical bills. This was a minor accident and my daughters medical bills were $900 and she is fine. The other sides auto insurance company has asked us for an amount to settle for the pain and suffering.


Asked on 5/18/10, 12:03 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

There is no industry standard. People ask for a figure, and then settle for whatever number they agree on.

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Answered on 5/23/10, 12:11 pm
BRUCE NELSON BRUCE E. NELSON ATTORNEY AT LAW

You have to start somewhere.Based on the figures you gave and the statement that your daughter is fine I would demand $4500 and let them counter.

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Answered on 5/23/10, 4:17 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

This is no standard ratio. Damages for pain and suffering are just that -- they are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the amount of pain and suffering she endured. How much a particular plaintiff suffers has nothing to do with how much she incurs in medical bills.

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Answered on 5/23/10, 4:23 pm


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