Call NowWhat Does Pain and Suffering After an Accident Include?
Hurt in an accident? Even a minor collision can cause long-term physical and mental damage to a person. Car accidents are traumatizing experiences, and aside from physical aches and pains, many victims experience emotional effects like depression and anxiety. With the help of a dedicated medical team—as well as a personal injury lawyer—you can get your life back after a collision. Read on to gain an understanding of what is considered pain and suffering in a car accident.
The Legal Implications of Pain and Suffering
“Pain and suffering” is a legal term that refers to both the physical and emotional injuries a victim endures after an accident. Only an experienced personal injury attorney can determine whether any substantial physical pain or mental anguish you suffer after an accident qualifies you for financial damages. Here’s a breakdown of what may qualify as “pain and suffering”:
Physical Pain and Suffering
Injuries that result from a car accident can be painful and long-lasting. In some cases, the damage can be permanent. There are several examples of physical medical conditions that can qualify a car accident victim for pain and suffering compensation, like:
- Back pain
- Broken/fractured bones
- Dislocated joints
- Headaches
- Internal organ damage
- Muscle damage
- Neck pain
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
Emotional Pain and Suffering
Many car accident victims experience long-lasting mental health symptoms from the traumatic event—the psychological distress can last for months or even years. Chronic mental anguish following a car accident can lead to debilitating pain and suffering. Victims may be eligible to collect financial compensation for the following conditions:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Cognitive changes due to a head or brain injury
- Fear
- Grief
- Insomnia
- Loss or diminishment of quality of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Loss of Consortium
Some car accidents unfortunately involve loss of life. In these situations, the family may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, holding the negligent person accountable. The family may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages of the deceased, and loss of consortium—a type of pain and suffering experienced by family members after the death of their loved one.
Seek Medical Care After an Accident—Even If You Don’t Have Symptoms
While every situation is different, recovering from a car accident can be a long journey. Reaching out to your preferred medical provider is the first thing you should do after a car accident—even if you aren’t suffering from any apparent injuries. Physical and emotional pain can present itself in the days, weeks, and even months following a collision. Getting a doctor’s opinion not only identifies damage that may cause pain or worsen, but it can also help expedite an insurance claim while bolstering a legal claim.
If you’ve been in a car accident—even a minor fender bender—reach out to the medical team at Impact Medical Group of Port Richey today. We support you on your journey to recovery, so you can get back to enjoying life again. Call us today at (727) 848-3377 to schedule your free consultation.
