In Connecticut, pain and suffering damages are a key component of personal injury compensation—but unlike medical bills or lost wages, they are non-economic and more subjective in nature. At Rodie and Rodie, we help injured clients recover full compensation, including for their pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
There is no fixed formula under Connecticut law, but courts and insurance companies typically use two common approaches: the multiplier method and the per diem method.
1. The Multiplier Method
This is the most commonly used approach in Connecticut.
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Start by adding up economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.
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A multiplier is applied—usually between 1 and 5, based on the severity and long-term impact of the injuries.
Example:
If your economic damages are $20,000 and a multiplier of 2.5 is used, your pain and suffering damages would be $50,000, making your total compensation $70,000.
Factors That Influence the Multiplier:
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Severity of physical injuries (e.g., broken bones vs. soft tissue injuries)
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Length of recovery or permanence of the injury
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Impact on daily life and ability to work
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Degree of emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
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Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
2. The Per Diem Method
Less common but still used in some cases, especially when pain is measurable on a daily basis.
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Assign a daily dollar value to your pain and suffering.
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Multiply that amount by the number of days you’re expected to suffer.
Example:
If you’re assigned a per diem rate of $200 and expected to experience pain for 180 days, the total pain and suffering award would be $36,000.
Important Considerations:
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Daily rate must be reasonable (often aligned with your daily wage)
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The timeframe must be supported by medical evidence or expert testimony
What Influences Pain and Suffering Awards in CT?
At Rodie and Rodie, we work with medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and psychologists to fully demonstrate the impact of your injuries. Courts and insurance adjusters consider:
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Type and severity of injuries (e.g., spinal damage vs. minor sprain)
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Emotional trauma and psychological counseling required
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Lifestyle changes, such as inability to work, enjoy hobbies, or care for family
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Testimony from treating physicians and mental health experts
Connecticut Does Not Cap Pain and Suffering Damages
Unlike some states, Connecticut does not impose a cap on non-economic damages like pain and suffering in most personal injury or car accident cases. This means the value of your claim depends heavily on how well it’s documented and presented.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Rodie and Rodie
Pain and suffering are real—and often the most significant part of a personal injury case. At Rodie and Rodie, we know how to build strong cases that fully reflect what you’ve lost. Let our Connecticut injury attorneys fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation.