What is Pain and Suffering?

The legal term “pain and suffering” refers to the mental and physical pain someone experiences during and after an injury from an accident. It can be both physical and emotional, and it may require the opinion of a medical professional as proof in a personal injury lawsuit. The value of your case may increase if you are able to prove that you have experienced physical pain or mental suffering directly tied to the accident.

Read on to learn more about the definition of pain and suffering and how it can be proven in your personal injury case.

Physical Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and suffering is the pain and physical distress associated with the bodily injuries that most victims experience in an accident. Some injuries are external and more obvious, while others can be internal and soft tissue, which may require a medical professional to help identify and record. Getting money for pain and suffering is one way a personal injury lawyer can help you- so reach out today.

Some examples of injuries that may qualify for physical pain and suffering compensation include:

• Back pain
• Brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Neck pain
• Broken bones
• Headaches
• Muscle injuries

These conditions can last weeks, months, or years. In some cases, the injuries are permanent, and no amount of medical help or physical therapy can completely remedy the injury.

Emotional Pain and Suffering

Emotional pain and suffering is the mental distress caused by the accident. This can appear in many ways and can be more difficult to discern, often requiring the attention of a medical professional or therapist to help define the condition.

Some examples of emotional pain and suffering include:

• PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Insomnia
• Grief
• Reduced quality of life

Emotional pain and suffering can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and, like physical pain and suffering, it can last for months, years, or even a lifetime. This can require various medical treatments and frequent therapy sessions just to manage it.

Evidence of Pain and Suffering in a Case

If you decide to pursue compensation for pain and suffering in a lawsuit, you will need to find a way to prove it. There are a few ways that you can do this.

You, your legal team, and your medical team should document any and all physical and emotional conditions. This can include

• Proof that you sought mental or physical therapy
• Photographs
• Doctor’s notes
• Therapist’s notes
• X-rays and other forms of professional evidence

All of these can be used as evidence to show a victim’s pain and suffering, but be sure to discuss your strategy with your medical and legal team, as they may have additional ideas as to how to best prepare your case.

Contact Wilson Reeder & Zudar Law

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Wilson Reeder & Zudar Law to help you better understand the concept of pain and suffering. Wilson Reeder & Zudar Law will fight aggressively and passionately to help ensure the best results for you and your family. Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.