Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you and/or your family for the fact that the accident will permanently affect who you are. And how you go about your daily life.

It can be minor things:
“I can’t fish anymore because it hurts to be in a boat.”
“I can’t mow my own yard.”
“I can’t take out my own trash.”

It can be very significant things.
“I can’t get out of the bed.”
“I’m in a wheelchair now.”

So, non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for what the insurance companies called “pain and suffering.” But, what we as lawyers know, it’s how you’re different now. Because of the injuries you sustained.