If you are someone who has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to significant compensation. In New York, you are legally entitled to file a claim against a negligent party to seek reasonable compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. When people hear the terms economic and non-economic damages they often wonder what exactly those losses represent. Economic damages are calculable losses while non-economic damages are not. Economic damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and vocational rehabilitation. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. Keep reading to learn what loss of enjoyment of life in a personal injury lawsuit represents and contact our determined Westchester County Personal Injury Attorneys to discover how we can help you understand your legal options. 

What is the legal concept of loss of enjoyment of life?

As mentioned above, if you are injured due to another party’s negligent actions, you are entitled to pursue legal action to recover monetary compensation for your damages. Economic damages are any out-of-pocket financial losses while non-economic damages are subjective losses. With that being said, following any type of accident, an individual may suffer a physical or mental injury that prevents them from enjoying an activity they previously enjoyed performing before their injuries. Essentially, in a personal injury lawsuit, this legal concept refers to the lasting impacts the injuries have taken on your overall quality of life. For instance, if you once enjoyed riding a bicycle every weekend and your injuries are preventing you from enjoying this once beloved activity, your injuries are decreasing your quality of life. This includes performing several different hobbies and activities.

If you can prove to the court that you’ve suffered this type of non-economic damage, they will consider several other factors to determine an appropriate amount to award. Generally, they will assess your age, the nature of the activity lost, the severity of your injuries, and the future struggles associated with your injuries. Additionally, the court will hear your testimony and the testimony of your loved ones who have witnessed the impact of this loss.

Is there a cap on non-economic damages in New York?

In many states, there is a cap on the amount a victim can recover for their non-economic damages. However, if you suffer an injury in New York there is no need to worry as there is no limit on how much you can be compensated for your loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages. Despite being able to sue a negligent party for any amount, the legal process is extremely complex. With that being said, if you are someone who has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interest to acquire appropriate legal representation as soon as possible.

For more information on recovering monetary compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, please contact an adept Westchester County personal injury attorney. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.