In general, terms, when a victim retains counsel and files claim the goal of a personal injury attorney is to reach a settlement amount or be awarded an amount through a trial that will restore your life to what it was before the negligent party caused your injury. In many cases, that is not exactly possible, so the goal then becomes to try and mitigate the negative impact on the victim long term as much as possible. As such, you sue for medical costs: it is not fair to be expected to pay for injuries caused by a third party, and you sue for lost wages: if your injury leaves you unable to work you deserve to be compensated. But what about “pain and suffering”? What are they, and how do they factor into your personal injury claim?
Pain in a NJ Personal Injury Case
Pain refers specifically to the physical discomfort felt by your body as a result of your injury. Many types of accidents including home accidents, construction accidents, auto accidents, slip and falls, and many others can leave you with a persistent ache or pain in your body, or a pain that is triggered by moving in certain ways. The physical pain that one sometimes endures as a result of a serious accident can and should be accounted for when negotiating a personal injury settlement.
Suffering in a NJ Personal Injury Case
Suffering, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to define, but it addresses the emotional states you may feel as a result of your accident. Emotions like depression, anger, anxiety, frustration, embarrassment, loneliness, humiliation, and despair can all be considered negative consequences of a serious accident, and fall under the category of suffering. Just like physical suffering, these conditions can all stem as a result of your accident, and the injured party has the right to seek compensation for them.
There are many ways an accident can have long term effects on your lifestyle and well being. Many people adjust differently to their changed circumstances. A facial injury can cause humiliation and social distress in some, while others cause frustration over new limitations and requirements in others. All of these responses are valid and worthy of compensation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help a victim understand what levels of compensation are appropriate and expected according to their particular injury. There are many factors to consider when calculating pain and suffering, and it is important to find legal counsel who knows how to win the best settlement possible.
Pain and Suffering in an Asbury Park Injury Case
It is a difficult but necessary reality that the pain and suffering endured by an accident victim is compensated with money, but it is the best way to receive compensation for your emotional and physical pain. Financial remuneration can help to rebuild your life and start you on the path to recovery.
In modern society, pain and suffering damages have received a negative connotation. Most people do not understand that for the victims of negligence, they would rather have their pre-accident lives back rather than any amount of money, but the truth is they are being fairly compensated for the damage done to their lives.
Contact Our West Long Branch Personal Injury Attorneys Today
You should never feel guilty for seeking compensation for another party’s negligence or violation of the law as it relates to the pain and suffering it has caused in your life. At the law firm of Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, we vigorously fight for the rights of accident victims and work to ensure fair compensation for your personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has been injured by another party’s negligence or misconduct, contact our Monmouth County offices today for a free consultation. Contact us online or by phone at (732) 440-3950 to discuss your options.