If you’ve been in an accident in Oklahoma, you’ve probably heard the terms “bodily injury” and “pain and suffering.” They sound similar — but legally, they mean two very different things. Understanding the difference can make a huge impact on your personal injury claim and how much compensation you may be entitled to recover.
At Aldridge Teasdale, we help injured Oklahomans navigate the claims process and fight for fair settlements. Here’s how these terms break down — and why both matter after a serious accident.
1. What “Bodily Injury” Means in Oklahoma Law
Bodily injury refers to the physical harm you suffer in an accident. It’s an objective, measurable injury that can be diagnosed and treated by medical professionals. Examples include:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Whiplash or back injuries
- Concussions and head trauma
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue or nerve damage
In most cases, bodily injury damages include your medical expenses — like hospital bills, physical therapy, prescriptions, and follow-up care. These are the “economic” or easily calculable losses that result directly from your injuries.
2. What “Pain and Suffering” Means
Pain and suffering covers the non-physical impact of your accident — the emotional, psychological, and quality-of-life losses you experience. These are harder to measure but just as real. They might include:
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Anxiety, PTSD, or emotional trauma
- Sleep problems or loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of confidence
- Grief after a serious injury or wrongful death
Unlike medical bills, there’s no receipt for pain and suffering — which means insurance companies often undervalue or dismiss it. That’s where having an experienced personal injury lawyer makes all the difference.
3. Why Both Are Important in a Personal Injury Case
A strong injury claim includes both types of damages. For example:
- Bodily injury covers your physical injuries and direct medical costs.
- Pain and suffering accounts for the personal toll — how those injuries changed your daily life.
Together, they form the foundation of your total compensation. Ignoring one can leave you with a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full picture of your loss.
4. How Compensation Is Calculated
There’s no universal formula for pain and suffering in Oklahoma, but adjusters often use a “multiplier method.” They take your total medical bills and multiply them by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) based on the severity and long-term effects of your injury.
For example, a $20,000 hospital bill from a broken leg might lead to a pain and suffering value between $30,000 and $100,000 — depending on how the injury impacts your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy daily life. Every case is unique, which is why real legal representation matters.
5. Why You Shouldn’t Let the Insurance Company Decide
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing claims. They might offer to cover your medical bills but ignore the emotional and physical pain you’ve endured. Before signing anything, talk to an attorney who can calculate the full value of your claim — not just what the adjuster wants to pay.
At Aldridge Teasdale, we’ve seen how overlooking pain and suffering can cost families thousands of dollars. We build cases that account for every impact — physical, emotional, and financial.
Get Answers from an Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident and aren’t sure what your claim is really worth, don’t guess — get clarity. Our team will review your case for free and explain what compensation may apply under Oklahoma law.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT today. Aldridge Teasdale — helping Oklahomans understand their rights, one case at a time.
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