Calculating Damages: Medical Bills, Lost Wages & Pain and Suffering in Florida

When you’re injured in an accident, the financial and emotional costs can feel overwhelming. At St. Johns Law Group, our St. Augustine personal injury attorneys help clients understand exactly what damages they may be entitled to recover under Florida law. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor injured while vacationing in Northeast Florida, knowing how damages are calculated can make all the difference in your recovery.

Understanding the Three Main Types of Damages

Florida law recognizes several categories of damages in a personal injury claim. The most common include:

1. Economic Damages (Medical Bills & Lost Wages)

Economic damages are tangible financial losses that can be documented with receipts, bills, and employment records. These often include:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, future care.

• Lost wages: Paychecks missed during recovery.

• Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to return to your job or earn the same income.

Our attorneys work closely with doctors, employers, and financial experts to ensure all current and future costs are included in your claim.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

Non-economic damages are more subjective losses—but no less important:

• Physical pain

• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD)

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Florida’s “Serious Injury” Threshold

Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you can only pursue pain and suffering damages if your injuries are considered “serious,” such as:

• Permanent impairment of an important bodily function

• Significant permanent scarring or disfigurement

• A permanent injury diagnosed by a medical professional

How Pain & Suffering is Calculated

Florida law does not prescribe a single formula, but two methods are often used:

• Multiplier Method: Multiply your total economic damages by a number (1.5 to 5+) depending on injury severity.

• Per Diem Method: Assign a daily value to your suffering, multiplied by the number of recovery days.

Example: $40,000 in medical bills and lost wages × multiplier of 4 = $160,000 in pain and suffering.

3. Putting It All Together

A complete personal injury claim often combines both economic and non-economic damages. For instance:

• Medical bills & lost wages: $50,000

• Pain & suffering: $150,000 (multiplier method)

• Total damages: $200,000

Each case is unique, and having an experienced attorney present strong documentation makes a major difference in the outcome.

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

• Local Knowledge: As St. Augustine’s largest law firm, we know how local courts, insurance adjusters, and juries view injury claims.

• Team Approach: Our personal injury attorneys—including Joshua R. Saxon and others—bring decades of combined trial and negotiation experience.

• Speak Directly to Your Attorney:  At St. Johns Law Group, you speak directly to the attorney representing you so there is no middleman.

• Proven Results: We help accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve for medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one has been injured in St. Johns, Duval, Flagler, Clay, Putnam, or Nassau County—or while visiting Northeast Florida—don’t leave money on the table. Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering, but our attorneys know how to fight back.

📞 Call St. Johns Law Group today at (904) 495-0400 for a free consultation.
📍 Conveniently located in St. Augustine, serving all of Northeast Florida and Southern Georgia.