You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else. This includes medical bills and lost income, which are economic damages. But another kind of compensation is just as important — non-economic damages.
These damages cover things you can’t see on a bill, like pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of enjoyment in life. In Arizona, understanding what non-economic damages are and how they work is important to ensure you recover the full amount you deserve.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate victims for an injury’s personal and emotional impact. Unlike economic damages, which pay for specific expenses like hospital bills or car repairs, non-economic damages cover things that don’t have a fixed dollar amount.
These losses include physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment in daily life. If your injuries keep you from doing things you once loved — like playing with your kids, exercising, or even sleeping well — non-economic damages are meant to make up for that loss. They recognize that injuries don’t just hurt your body; they affect your whole life.
What Are Common Types of Non-Economic Damages?
While every case is different, there are some common examples of non-economic damages that many people face after an injury.
These include:
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and discomfort caused by an injury. They can also include long-term issues like chronic pain, headaches, or limited movement.
Emotional Distress
Accidents can leave more than just physical scars. Emotional distress includes anxiety, depression, fear, trouble sleeping, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if your injuries heal, emotional trauma can last for months or years.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Sometimes, injuries stop you from enjoying your normal activities. Whether it’s a favorite hobby, sports, or spending time with family, this loss is something that deserves compensation.
Loss of Consortium
Relationships can suffer in cases involving serious injuries. If you can no longer enjoy your relationship with your spouse the same way, Arizona law allows for compensation for loss of consortium. This includes loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Disfigurement and Physical Impairment
Scars, burns, or permanent injuries can affect one’s appearance and mobility. These changes can impact one’s confidence, social life, and overall happiness.
Each of these damages may affect people differently. A skilled lawyer can help show how these changes have affected your life on a personal level.
How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated in Arizona?
Unlike medical bills or receipts, there’s no set price tag for pain and suffering. Arizona does not use a fixed formula, but there are two common ways that insurance companies and courts estimate non-economic damages:
Multiplier Method
This method multiplies your total economic damages by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5). The more serious and long-lasting the injury, the higher the multiplier.
For example, if your medical bills and lost wages total $20,000 and your injuries are severe, a multiplier of 3 could be used, making your non-economic damages worth $60,000.
Per Diem Method
“Per diem” means “per day.” This method assigns a daily dollar amount for the pain and suffering you experience and multiplies it by the number of days you’ve been affected. So if $200 per day is the number chosen and you suffer for 180 days, that would be $36,000 in non-economic damages.
Arizona law allows both methods to be used, depending on the situation. A judge, jury, or insurance company will consider your age, injury type, recovery time, and how the injury has changed your life.
Are There Limits on Non-Economic Damages in Arizona?
Some states place a “cap” or limit on the amount of non-economic damages you can receive. However, in most personal injury cases, Arizona does not have a cap on non-economic damages. The Arizona Constitution actually bans damage caps in personal injury and wrongful death claims.
This means that if your injuries truly affect your quality of life, you may be able to recover a fair and full amount for your suffering, with no arbitrary limit set by the government.
However, you must still prove your damages. That’s why working with an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney is essential. They know how to collect the proper evidence and tell your story in a way that shows the full impact of your injuries.
What Evidence Is Used to Prove Non-Economic Damages?
Proving non-economic damages can be difficult because there is often no documentation supporting them.
But there are many ways to provide evidence, including:
- Medical records showing pain levels or a need for ongoing treatment
- Psychological evaluations for emotional trauma
- Testimonies from family, friends, or coworkers about how your life has changed
- Journals or diaries you kept during recovery
- Photos or videos that show your limitations or injuries over time
The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be. A skilled lawyer will help gather and use this information to build a clear and powerful claim.
Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer at KRLG Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Physical injuries can heal, but emotional and psychological scars often take longer. Non-economic damages allow you to recover more than just your expenses — they help restore your quality of life. While no amount of money can erase the pain you are feeling, recovering money for your losses can ease the burden and give you the support you need to move on.
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you tell your story and fight for everything you’ve lost — both seen and unseen.
Call our law office to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix personal injury attorney.