How much in pain and suffering should I ask for if I suffered a permanent and disfiguring injury?

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How much in pain and suffering should I ask for if I suffered a permanent and disfiguring injury?

I had 2 fingers torn off on my father-in-laws boat because of his negligence. 1 finger was re-attached but I will probably have random pain for the rest of my life. It was my dominant hand. There is scarring and disfigurement as well. I was in the hospital for 4 days, and have been going in for follow ups for the last 6 months, as well as physical therapy. I was able to return to work after a month but I have some pain in my hand after typing for a while and it’s embarrassing when clients see my hand. Medical bills have totalled $70,000 so far. My father-in-law’s policy has a $300,000 limit. Should I speak with a personal injury attorney? In LaCrosse County, WI.

Asked on January 18, 2011 under Personal Injury, Wisconsin

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

DEFINITELY speak with a personal injury attorney--valuing injuries like this is an art, not a science, and you want professional advice--and an aggressive advocate to get you as much as possible. To give you some idea, before you go into speak with the lawyer, a common rule of thumb is that permanent serious injuries could commonly result in pain and suffering rewards of 1 - 3 times the medical costs, so, in this case, another $70k to $210k. Also be sure to look to recover projected future medical costs; any loss of income to date; and also any projected future dimunition of income (e.g. if you can't work at the same job or level any more). Good luck.


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