How much is the typical "pan and suffering" insurance settlement?

Question

The insurance company is ready to settle. They offered me 350.00. If I remember right, when I was in an accident about 10 years ago, they said that the typical pain and suffering settlement is 2-3 times medical bills. I know that my medical bills are much more than that because they took about 15 X-Rays at the ER on the day after it happened.

Answer 1

Well, I'm not familiar with "pan" and suffering, so I can't say. As far as pain and suffering is concerned, if you only went to the Emergency Room or hospital that's very reasonable. You are most likely in a state where you get only pain and suffering, and your bills are not considered in the settlement. Diagnostic testing is not a pain producing procedure like physical therapy or chiro treatment, so it's not worth more than anything else. And no, there is no formula like 2-3 times your medicals. However, if you don't want the 350, then why don't you negotiate? 500-600 is pretty reasonable, and they don't really expect you to take the 350.

And don't take someone else's story for a benchmark of what you should get. Everyone's case is different. Sounds like you were ok and were just checked out. That's not something you can cash in on. And they're not low balling you, they are offering you a fair amount based on the info you've given.

Answer 2

I have worked both for an insurance company and a Doctors office. If you settle alone with the insurance they are going to give you the minimal amount of what they think you should get. Luckily when i was in my accident i worked in the law firm and was awarded 15000.00, but i only got 5000.00 because of payment of bills and my attorney ( i worked for them and they still took 20%) when you have an attorney they will ask for 5-6 times the medical bills, but you won't always get that much. If i were you i would go to an attorney. they can usually get you more and they give free consultations if it is a personal injury attorney.