Following an accident, mounting medical expenses often become a primary concern. However, the emotional impact of such an event can also signifcnatly impact your quality of life. Unlike tangible out-of-pocket costs that can be easily documented, physical pain and emotional distress don’t have a fixed dollar amount. While you can seek compensation for the emotional trauma you endured, you must be able to substantiate your losses. Keep reading as we explore what qualifies as pain and suffering, how to provide evidence for it, and how our experienced Harrison Personal Injury Attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
What is Pain and Suffering?
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that pain and suffering is the physical agony and emotional trauma caused by an injury. When it comes to personal injury cases in New York, you can typically seek compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses. Pain and suffering is categorized as a non-economic damage given its subjective nature. Non-economci damages are intended to compensate victims for the intangile hardships experienced.
Pain and suffering can encompass:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomia
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Embarassment or humiliation
- Disfgurement
What Evidence Do I Need?
To secure your rightful compensation, you must prove that the pain and suffering casued by the injury has negatively impacted your life. Unfortunately, you can’t simply claim that you are suffering. You will need substantial evidence, including:
- Medical Records: You must keep track of all doctors notes and diagnoses that document your pain levels and the severity of the trauma endured.
- Expert Witness Testimony: Obtaining opinions from medical experts or life-care planners that can explain the prognosis of your pain and how it impacts your quality of life.
- Lay Witness Statements: Have your co-workers, firiends, and family testify to how your life has dramatically changed since the accident.
- Pain Journal: You should maintain a daily “diary” that details your pain levels, specific limitations, and missed opportunities.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Unlike economic damages that can be backed by receipts, pain and suffering requires a different approach to ensure a fair result. Insurance companies often try to minimzie these damages. A qualified Harrison personal injury attorney can help you demonstrate that your emotional distress is a compensable loss.
At Hausman Law Group, we are prepared to help you present compelling evidence to secure the compensation you deserve. We are ready to fight back against lowball settlement offers nad protect your interests at every turn. Connect with our firm today to schedule your initial consultation.