The same holds true for those who “downplay” their injuries. From an early age, we are rewarded for not complaining, holding it in, or brushing it off. Unfortunately, “complaints” are the cornerstone of any personal injury case. Therefore, those accident victims that are able to articulate their pain complaints and disabilities often times achieve higher settlements and verdicts. Of course, whiners are often penalized by insurance companies for “over-magnifying” their symptoms. There is certainly a fine line between reporting one’s complaints and regurgitating each and every ache and pain.

Unfortunately, not all personal injury victims are able to artfully communicate their injuries to defense lawyers and juries. This may be attributed to a weak grasp of the English language, the desire to appear “tough,” or simply because the pain is so great that it becomes indistinguishable in origin. Skilled trial lawyers have the ability to effectively communicate with their clients and elicit colorful and poignant statements that tend to accurately portray pain and suffering. Being hurt is not enough. To be properly compensated, you must be able to convey your pain through words.

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