Your Ultimate Guide to Non-Economic Injuries in a Personal Injury Claim

When most people think about a personal injury claim, the first thought that comes to mind is receiving monetary compensation for medical bills and lost wages. While these tangible damages are essential in getting you the compensation you deserve, there is another aspect of your personal injury claim that is just as important. These types of damages focus on the intangible, or non-economic, injuries you can experience, such as the psychological and emotional pain you’ve suffered from the accident. 

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand that non-economic injuries can have a profound impact on your life, often causing pain and emotional suffering that is difficult to measure. With over 35 years of experience, we’ve helped many clients in Colorado secure compensation for these intangible losses. Our dedicated team takes a personal approach, ensuring you get the attention and support you deserve throughout your case.

What Are Non-Economic Injuries?

Non-economic injuries include the intangible losses a person experiences in a personal injury claim. Compared to the economic damages of medical bills and lost wages, non-economic injuries are more challenging to measure with a specific monetary value. Non-economic injuries may include:

• Pain and suffering: This refers to the emotional suffering and physical discomfort you might experience after an accident. Your pain and suffering include long-lasting or chronic issues that can have an impact on the quality of your life. 
• Emotional distress: Feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear are all emotions that can sometimes result from an accident. These feelings of emotional distress can affect your daily life and impact your overall well-being.
• Loss of enjoyment from hobbies and activities: A chronic injury from an accident can prevent you from participating in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed.
• Loss of consortium: When a loved one or spouse is injured or killed in an accident, you can lose their companionship, love, and support. These are valuable benefits of your life that you can no longer experience.

If you have any questions about the types of non-economic injuries you are experiencing after an accident, please contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options. 

How Are Non-Economic Injuries Calculated in Colorado?

While a fixed value is associated with medical bills and loss of wages, there is more subjectivity when determining compensation for non-economic injuries. These types of claims are highly personal and can depend on the severity of your injury and its long-term impact on your life. However, two popular methods can be used in Colorado to help put a monetary value on the non-economic injuries in your personal injury claim. These approaches are called the multiplier method and the per diem method. 

Multiplier Method

The multiplier method is one approach used to determine a monetary value for your non-economic injuries in a personal injury claim. It is often used when injuries are long-lasting or chronic in nature. With this method, your total economic damages are multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5. The more severe or long-lasting your emotional and psychological damages, the higher your multiplier. 

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in economic damages and assigned a multiplier of 2, your non-economic damages would be $200,000. 

Per Diem Method

In situations where your injuries are considered more temporary, and there is a foreseeable end to your injuries, the per diem method can be used to determine your compensation level. A daily value is assigned to your case and is then multiplied by the number of days you are expected to experience pain and suffering; the more severe your injuries, the higher your daily value. 

It is essential to contact a Colorado personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to help you determine the non-economic benefits you deserve. 

Is There a Time or Monetary Limit for Non-Economic Damages in Colorado? 

Colorado’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim can vary based on the type of personal injury case. Generally, most claims must be filed within two years of the accident or injury. However, some exceptions to this rule include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and other special circumstances.

As of 2024, Colorado has recently changed its law on the limit of non-economic damages allocated in a personal injury case. Beginning in January 2025, the cap on non-economic damages that can be awarded will increase from $250,000 to $1.5 million. However, this number can vary based on the type of personal injury case and whether it involves factors such as wrongful death or medical malpractice.

Because of these variations, it is vital that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after your injury to help you navigate your unique situation and pursue the justice you deserve. 

How Can Mintz Law Firm Help You Secure Non-Economic Damages?

At Mintz Law Firm, we know how challenging it can be to quantify non-economic damages like pain and emotional distress. Our team has extensive experience helping clients navigate the complexities of these claims, ensuring that every intangible loss you’ve suffered is recognized and pursued with dedication. We carefully evaluate the full extent of your injuries and use proven methods to maximize your compensation.

Our approach is centered on personal attention and a commitment to justice. With over 35 years of experience advocating for clients throughout Colorado, we have successfully recovered compensation for countless individuals facing the same struggles. Let us help you achieve a fair resolution so you can focus on healing. To discuss your case, call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.