The article argues that pain and suffering damages should be seen as medical expenses due to their physical and mental consequences. Outdated views on emotional harms should be reconsidered, especially with advancements in treatment options. By applying the concept of avoidable consequences, some pain-and-suffering damages could be reclassified as medical expenses, even if the plaintiff doesn't use the award for medical purposes. This shift could help better define what falls under noneconomic damages.