THE PRICE OF PAIN AND SUFFERING How Courts Determine Compensation Calculating the value of pain and suffering is more complicated than calculating lost wages, medical bills, or economic damages, which come with bills and receipts. However, determining a fair compensation amount for pain and suffering is possible, especially with the help of a qualified personal injury attorney like those at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A . What’s included in ‘pain and suffering’? Sustaining an injury leads to emotional and physical stress on the mind and body. This can cause physical symptoms like pain, stiffness, or limited mobility as well as mental symptoms such as anxiety or depression. How do courts determine compensation for pain and suffering? As with most court determinations, evidence is key to determining compensation . When it comes to pain and suffering, courts consider evidence such as a doctor’s report, your personal testimony and testimony from those close to you (such as a spouse), and other professionals’ assessments of your state of mind and how the injury has impacted your life.
Winter the Dolphin
A TAIL THAT INSPIRED THOUSANDS
Photo: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Winter the dolphin was only 2 years old when rescuers found her with a crab trap line wrapped so tightly around her tail it was cutting off the circulation to her flukes. Unfortunately, this led to the eventual loss of her tail. In most cases, dolphins can’t survive without their flukes. When Winter first arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, her caregivers worried about her overall health. The infection that had taken over her tail due to loss of circulation was spreading, and if it reached her spinal cord, they knew she would die. Fortunately, her spinal cord remained untouched. Winter adapted to her situation, but then a new problem arose. Without flukes, Winter began moving her body side-to- side to swim, which caused scoliosis in her spine. However, an expert created a custom prosthetic tail for her, enabling her to swim normally again without impacting her spine. Since then, Winter has thrived! The story of what Winter went through, her struggle to recover, and how she fought to live has inspired thousands of people. Children and adults who have lost their limbs or were born with disabilities travel from around the world to meet her. She encourages people to keep fighting, and many feel that if Winter could overcome her obstacles, they can, too. There was even a film made about her called “Dolphin Tale.” In fact, many of the scenes from the movie were shot at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Winter starred as herself. The film captures her triumphant story and chronicles how she inspires people around the world. To learn more about Winter, read inspirational stories, or donate to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visit CMAquarium.org. And, of course, “Dolphin Tale” is a great film for your next movie night!
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