When Emotional Distress Becomes Part of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim in pursuit of just compensation. If the involved insurance provider refuses to settle your claim fairly, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and resolve the matter in court. While your losses in relation to your medical bills and lost income are fairly clear, the matter of the emotional distress you endure is less so. These losses, however, are just as important, and they may eclipse your other damages combined. Don’t delay consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney at Mette Law in Harrisburg, PA.

First Review Your Economic Damages

Suffering serious setbacks as a result of someone else’s negligence can leave you extremely shaken. When it comes to your personal injury claim, calculating losses associated with medical expenses and lost income is the first step and is generally straightforward. These are called economic damages, and assigning a value is more objective than subjective.

It should be noted, however, that these categories of loss can carry an emotional component. Many people have serious anxiety in response to medical care and hospital stays, which can add a layer of loss. Further, if your career is derailed or seriously interrupted, it can pack an emotional punch, given the sense of self often wrapped up in the work we do.

Your Physical Pain and Emotional Suffering

If someone else’s negligence injured you, there is no denying the physical pain you’ve endured and may continue to endure. There is also, however, the matter of your emotional distress.

Many accident victims who were harmed by another party’s wrongdoing suffer serious psychological consequences, such as the following:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Frightening flashbacks of the accident in question
• Increased anxiety, which can include debilitating anxiety attacks
• Depression, which can negatively affect day-to-day life
• Severe mood swings that are difficult to manage
• A tendency to self-isolate, which distances support when it’s needed most
• Difficulty managing intrusive thoughts
• Difficulty sleeping, which can include nightmares or night terrors
• A significant change in appetite
• A loss of enjoyment in the things that once brought pleasure, such as hobbies, exercise routines, books, movies, and beyond

Proving Emotional Distress

You can turn to your medical records and bills to demonstrate your medical expenses and to your pay stubs to prove lost income. Proving the significance of your emotional pain and suffering, however, is more challenging. Factors that tend to play a role include the following:

• The severity and duration of your injuries
• Your doctor’s report and your therapist’s notes
• The testimony of those who know you well regarding how your life has been affected by the accident
• Your own testimony regarding the effect the accident has had on your life, which may include journal entries or journaling you did in response to the accident

It’s Time to Call an Experienced Harrisburg Personal Injury Lawyer

Our savvy Harrisburg personal injury attorneys at Mette Law understand the immense significance of pain and suffering in the aftermath of personal injury claims, and we are well prepared to advocate for an optimal outcome on your behalf skillfully. Learn more by contacting us online or by calling our firm at 717-232-5000 today.