Car accidents can leave behind a trail of destruction that's not just physical but also emotional and psychological. Victims may find themselves battling with emotional pain and suffering long after the physical injuries have healed. When invisible injuries affect your daily life, it becomes essential to recognize them as part of your case to seek the compensation you deserve.
Yet, quantifying emotional distress requires clear articulation and robust proof, which can be challenging without professional legal assistance. Consulting with an attorney is vital to navigate the complexities of such claims. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate the intricacies of your case and calculate the full extent of your damages, preventing your emotional turmoil from being overlooked.
The Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. in Norman, OK, helps clients voice the emotional impacts of car accidents. Please contact us at (866) 590-8173 to discuss your case.
Characteristics of Emotional Pain and Suffering
Emotional pain and suffering refer to a wide range of psychological effects a person may endure following a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Unlike physical injuries that are often visible and quantifiable, emotional damages are subjective. They can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life without leaving a physical mark.
Emotional traumas can result in feelings of:
- Fear,
- Anxiety,
- Humiliation, and/or
- Anger.
In contrast to physical damages, which are assessed by medical bills and tangible evidence of harm, emotional pain and suffering require a more nuanced approach to validation and measurement. While physical injuries might be addressed through surgeries and medication, emotional distress may necessitate therapy counseling. It can alter a victim’s personality and ability to cope with daily life.
The spectrum of emotional pain and suffering encompasses various psychological conditions.
These conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Acute stress disorder,
- Depression,
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or
- Loss of sleep.
Victims may experience nightmares, severe distress as reminders of the trauma, persistent negative emotional states, and detachment from social and work activities, hampering their overall functionality.
Understanding the profound impact of these invisible injuries is indispensable in personal injury law, as it contributes to holistic justice for the afflicted individual. Recognizing these damages is an essential step toward healing for car accident victims and the success of their claims.
Documenting Emotional Distress Claims
Proper documentation of emotional pain and suffering is a pivotal component of a personal injury claim following a car accident. The reality is emotional injuries are intangible and cannot be measured by X-rays or seen in CT scans. Here, medical and psychological documentation comes into play. Ensuring you have detailed records from your therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can provide a professional assessment of the accident's emotional impact on your life.
Another tool at your disposal is a pain and suffering diary. Documenting daily reflections on emotional struggles and challenges can be robust evidence. It provides a day-by-day account that can demonstrate the ongoing impact of the trauma. Be sure to include how your emotional state has interfered with your daily routines, social life, and ability to work or enjoy activities you once found pleasurable.
Pursuing Damages for Pain and Suffering
Lawyers are instrumental in pursuing claims for emotional pain and suffering. They have the insights to navigate the complex legal system and manage negotiations with insurance companies. A skilled attorney can build a compelling case by gathering essential evidence, consulting mental health professionals, and presenting a solid argument for the full extent of the non-physical damages you have endured.
We invite you to contact our Norman team at the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. by calling (866) 590-8173.