Documenting Pain and Suffering in a Michigan Injury Claim

Pain and suffering is evaluated from the individual evidence and applicable law, not a mandatory multiple of medical bills. A useful record explains what changed in the person’s life, how long it lasted, and what supports that account.

Describe the effects specifically

Record the activities affected, the nature of the limitation, and changes during recovery. Explain differences between a difficult day, a temporary restriction, and a continuing problem. Avoid repeating broad phrases such as “I cannot do anything” when the actual limits are more specific.

Be accurate about improvement as well as difficulty. A truthful account can explain why an activity was possible on one occasion but difficult at another, without making a photograph or isolated event stand for the entire recovery.

Evidence that can support the account

• Treatment records, provider restrictions, and relevant prognosis information.
• Dated photographs documenting visible injury or healing.
• Work, school, household, and activity records showing actual changes.
• Specific observations from family, coworkers, and others who know the person.
• A contemporaneous record of symptoms and limitations that remains consistent with the other evidence.

Medical expense totals are not a measure of every human loss

Two people with similar bills can experience different limitations. A simple multiplier can overlook duration, function, scarring, and other circumstances. Neither a multiplier nor a daily-rate argument guarantees an insurer’s offer or a jury’s decision.

For a motor-vehicle claim, the statutory injury threshold and comparative-fault requirements must also be evaluated. Do not assume documentation alone answers legal eligibility.

Preserve records without curating a misleading picture

Keep original photographs, messages, and social posts. Do not delete unfavorable material or exaggerate restrictions for a claim. Discuss potentially confusing records with counsel.

See why calculation shortcuts have limits, social media evidence, and overall case value and net recovery.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Must pain and suffering equal three times my bills?

No. Michigan does not impose that universal formula.

Should I record days when I improve?

Yes. An accurate timeline includes improvement, setbacks, and the actual activities affected.