In This Article
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, injury victims endure pain, limitation, and a diminished quality of life. Nevada law allows recovery for these non-economic damages — commonly called pain and suffering — but because they cannot be tallied from receipts, valuing them is one of the most contested parts of any claim.
What Pain and Suffering Covers
Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and the disruption an injury causes to relationships and daily activities. These are real harms even though they lack a precise dollar figure.
Factors That Increase the Value
The severity and permanence of the injury, the length and difficulty of recovery, visible scarring or disability, and the degree to which the injury disrupts the person's life all push non-economic damages higher. A serious, lasting injury supports a substantially larger award.
How These Damages Are Calculated
There is no fixed formula in Nevada. Insurers and attorneys consider the medical evidence, the impact on the person's life, and comparable cases. In ordinary injury claims, Nevada does not cap these damages, though specific contexts like medical malpractice impose limits.
Why Strong Evidence Matters
Because pain and suffering is subjective, credible evidence — consistent medical records, testimony about life changes, and clear documentation — is what makes it real to an adjuster or jury. A free review can help ensure these damages are not overlooked or undervalued.