Victims of car accidents suffer from both physical and emotional injuries. Both are painful and may last longer or even be permanent.
“Pain and Suffering” as a term in the law jargon refers to emotional and physical injuries a person might sustain after an accident. Scars, injuries, and chronic pain are painful reminders of the real-life drama and can last not only weeks and months after the accident but can remain for years.
That is why it’s essential to be aware of the laws and know that you can get compensated for sustaining injuries. Below, we will discuss physical and emotional suffering and what type of injuries fall under these categories.
Understanding Pain and Suffering
A person is entitled to claim damages for pain and suffering after an accident. It refers to any physical injuries and emotional trauma following a car accident.
Physical injuries include minor cuts, bruises, wounds that need medical attention, surgery and hospitalization. On the other hand, emotional trauma is not visible but exists and, if not treated, may worsen.
Professional medical support is necessary in both cases so that the person can carry on with life without the burden of the accident. It’s important to note that no formula can determine how much someone could receive in a settlement. This is why an unbiased jury considers all of the evidence and delivers a just decision.
Physical Pain and Suffering
In the very first moments after the accident, an adrenaline rush in the body reduces the extent of the pain and injuries suffered. When this hormone wears off, the physical pain can be more intense. Medications, rest and professional medical support are most required at this time.
Physical pain includes the following conditions:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated joints
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Sprained or pulled muscles
These injuries are the most common; sometimes, the medical treatments may need a hospital stay and can last for years.
Emotional Pain and Suffering
It is imperative to recognize emotional symptoms and treat them properly. They are injuries we can not see and do not fade away with time. These symptoms include nightmares, avoiding driving situations, and avoiding the location where the accident happened. The most common post-accident emotional symptoms include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
The most important thing is to talk about the feelings and not bottle up the emotions. Family and friends can easily spot any changes in the behavior and help you contact a specialist. Emotional injuries need treatment the same way as physical. There is no need to hide emotional trauma, as it is as curable as wounds are.
Contacting a Personal Injury Legal Team
Car accidents leave lifetime injuries and are usually associated with enormous medical bills, lost income and mobility, and bad insurance contracts. But Haffner Law’s legal team of experienced personal injury lawyers has your back.
Our attorneys have been helping people from California for over 20 years with their injuries and need for legal representation. Contact us, and we will provide you with a free consultation and the commitment to see your case through to the end. Our goal is maximum recovery for you, as your claim is our priority!
