Following an accident in New Jersey, victims are typically faced with much more than just significant medical bills and lost income. Unfortunately, their injuries can drastically affect their emotional well-being and overall quality of life. This is where non-econonomic damages come in, representing compensation for subjective losses like pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Proving these damages can be incredibly diffult and usually requires substantial evidence. Working with our experienced Springfield Injury Lawyers is vital to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Please continue reading as we explore how to build the strongest claim possible.
What is Pain and Suffering?
When an individual is injured due to another party’s negligence in New Jersey, they have the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their losses. These losses are known as compensatory damages, and they are divided in two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your out-of-pocket monetary losses that come with an objective dollar sign. These losses are easily quantifiable using receipts and financial projections. They typically include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address your subjective, non-monetary losses. They represent the impact your injuries have on your mental well-being and daily life. As such, these damages aim to restore your quality of life and make you “whole” again. They typically include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
It’s important to note that pain and suffering targets the anguish you endure after an accident. Essentially, it’s the physical and emotional distress you experience as a result of an accident.
What Evidence Do I Need?
Proving pain and suffering can be challenging. Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable Springfield injury lawyer at Lee Law Firm is in your best interest. Our legal team is prepared to help gather evidence and quantify your losses. Essential evidence to build your claim includes:
- Medical Documentation: You should compile medical recors, diagnostic tests, prescription histories, and therapy notes. This medical documentation can help show the severity and duration of the anguish endured due to the accident. Consistent medical treatment is vital.
- Keep a “Pain Journal:” You should create a pain journal to keep a record of your daily symptoms, limitations faced, and emotional distress to demonstrate how your injury has impacted your quality of life.
- Collect Witness Statements: You should gather witness statements from family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors as they can corroborate the changes in your physical and emotional well-being.
- Visual Evidence: Take photographs and videos throughout the recovery process.
- Consulting Experts: An attorney can work with medical experts who can provide testimony regarding your ongoing suffering and limitations.
Why Is It Important to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
At Lee Law Firm, we are prepared to help calculate a fair finacnial value to your non-economic losses. Insurance adjusters will try their best to minimize payouts by downplaying your suffering. Our dedicated legal team will combat bad faith tactics used to diminish damages and ensure you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Furthermore, our legal team will help compile necessary evidence to prove pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, our legal team is prepared to represent your interests in court. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consutlation.
