Estimating pain and suffering in a lawsuit often involves complex calculations. Generally, insurance companies use a 'multiplier' method; damages like medical bills and loss of income are added up and then multiplied by a certain number which usually ranges between 1.5 and 5 depending on the severity of the suffering endured. The alternative approach is the 'per diem' system, where a certain dollar amount is assigned for every day from the date of injury until maximum recovery.