All familiar.
I signed where indicated.
Noah followed the discussion for the first fifteen minutes, then began rubbing his temple.
Felicity slowed when I asked.
She moved to his personal claim.
“This is independent of the commercial settlement and your medical coverage,” she explained. “Ongoing approved treatment remains funded under the injury policy.”
Noah nodded.
“So the money doesn’t pay hospital bills.”
“Correct.”
“Therapy?”
“Covered separately if clinically authorized.”
“Medication?”
“Yes.”
“What is the award for?”
Felicity looked at the documents.
“For the permanent effects of the injury. The pain you experienced. The likelihood of future symptoms. Reduced earning capacity during recovery. Cognitive and emotional impact. Loss of ordinary enjoyment.”
Noah’s expression tightened at the last phrase.
“How do you calculate enjoyment?”
“We don’t, exactly.”
“Then why put a number on it?”
“Because the law requires a remedy in money where restoration is impossible.”
Silence followed.
Felicity turned the final page.
“The amount is four hundred twelve thousand five hundred dollars.”
I had known the number since the previous afternoon.
Hearing it in the sterile room made it real.
Noah remained still.
Felicity glanced toward me.
“You were informed?”
“He told me.”
