What Is The Multiplier Method For Calculating Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate the plaintiff for the intangible losses they have suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you have been injured and are seeking compensation for non-economic damages, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. A Beaumont personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence for your case, and fight for your rights in court.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Till then, let’s dive in and explore how non-economic damages are calculated using the multiplier method.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that a plaintiff has suffered as a result of a personal injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

These damages are difficult to quantify.

One of the main challenges of calculating non-economic damages is that they are subjective and vary greatly depending on the individual’s experience. There is no objective way to measure the value of intangible losses.

The Multiplier Method

The multiplier method is a commonly used approach for calculating non-economic damages in personal injury cases. It can also be used in wrongful death cases to determine the non-economic damages suffered by the surviving family members.

It involves multiplying the plaintiff’s economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) by a factor between 1.5 and 5 to determine the value of the non-economic damages.

How It Works

To use the multiplier method, the plaintiff’s economic damages are first calculated. These include medical expenses, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. The multiplier is then selected based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the length of recovery time, and the impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life.

The economic damages are then multiplied by the chosen multiplier to determine the value of the non-economic damages.

Factors Affecting the Multiplier

The multiplier used in the calculation can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that may affect the multiplier include:

• The severity of the injury
• The length of recovery time
• The impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life
• The jurisdiction where the case is being heard.

Calculation

For example, if the economic damages are $50,000 and the multiplier, based on the level of pain and emotional distress caused, is 2, then the total damages, including the non-economic compensation, would be $100,000.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Multiplier Method

Each method for calculating non-economic damages has its advantages and disadvantages. The best method for a particular case will depend on the unique circumstances of the case. However, the multiplier approach is used most frequently.

Advantages

• It is a straightforward and common approach for calculating non-economic damages.
• It compensates plaintiffs for intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.
• The use of a multiplier can help ensure that awards are consistent across similar cases.

Disadvantages

• The multiplier method is subjective.
• It can lead to varying results depending on the multiplier used.
• The use of a multiplier can be criticized as arbitrary and not based on objective criteria.
• It does not take into account the unique circumstances of each case.

Other Methods for Calculating Non-Economic Damages

The multiplier method isn’t the only way to calculate non-economic damages.

Per Diem Method

The per diem method involves awarding a fixed amount for each day that the plaintiff has suffered from the injury. The amount awarded may vary based on the severity of the injury and the impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life.

This method is based on the assumption that the plaintiff’s pain and suffering can be equated to a monetary value per day.

Hedonic Damages Method

The hedonic damages method involves estimating the value of the plaintiff’s lost enjoyment of life based on factors such as age, income, and hobbies. This method requires more detailed information about the plaintiff’s life and can be difficult to apply in practice.

The value of the plaintiff’s loss of enjoyment of life is calculated based on the plaintiff’s personal characteristics and experiences.

Structured Settlement Method

The structured settlement method involves setting up a payment plan for non-economic damages over a set period. This method is typically used when the damages are large and the plaintiff is expected to require ongoing medical treatment.

The payments can be made in regular intervals and can be adjusted based on changes in the plaintiff’s condition.

Let a Beaumont Personal Injury Lawyer Help You With Your Case

A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you calculate non-economic damages for your personal injury claim and provide guidance and support throughout the ensuing legal process.

Don’t leave anything to chance, let a Beaumont personal injury attorney from Brent Coon & Associates help you form a strong case and claim your rightful compensation.

Here’s what we can do for you.

Gathering Evidence

Your lawyer will gather evidence related to your economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. This evidence is necessary for determining the economic damages that will be used in the multiplier method calculation.

Determining The Appropriate Multiplier

We will also help determine the appropriate multiplier for your case, based on the severity of your injury, the length of your recovery time, and other factors. Our attorneys will use their experience with similar cases to help ensure that you receive a fair award.

Presenting Your Case

Personal injury lawyers from our firm can present your case in court and argue for the multiplier method calculation that best reflects your non-economic damages. We will use our vast expertise and years of experience to counter any arguments made by the defense.

Negotiating A Settlement

Most cases are concluded by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyers. We’ll determine an appropriate amount for your non-economic damages and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Let a Beaumont personal injury lawyer from Brent Coon & Associates help you receive a fair award for your non-economic damages. We’ll also provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, helping to reduce your stress and ensure that your case is handled professionally and efficiently.

Contact us now for a free case review and initial consultation!