Can you imagine waking up every day for the rest of your life with back pain, or being a dancer who is now paralyzed and will never dance again? Imagine being a passionate woodworker and having your hands crushed. Serious accidents and injuries can often prevent someone from being able to enjoy their favorite activities. When this occurs, the victim may be able to sue the person liable for their injuries and receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
What Loss of Enjoyment of Life Entails
Injuries, pain, disfigurement, disabilities, or chronic health problems that arise from an accident can all affect the way that the victim experiences life. The consequences of an injury or accident are much more than just physical. Not being able to do a beloved hobby or be able to move around easily can take a psychological toll on victims.
Traumas can cause psychological injuries that make it difficult to enjoy life or live life normally. Victims may experience PTSD, anxiety, or terrifying memories that may interfere with their enjoyment of life. Loss of enjoyment of life is very real, and if it’s happened to you, you can pursue damages. To do so, though, you must prove suffering.
How Arizona Law Defines Suffering
The law in Arizona allows you to sue for damages for both physical and psychological pain. Generally, the judge will be trying to determine that the loss is significant and caused by another party. When it comes to calculating suffering, a judge may consider many things, including:
- Severity and permanence of an injury
- Treatment and recovery complications
- Effect of injury on quality of life
- Documentation
- Whether the victim was at fault
You must support your claim with evidence, such as medical reports and records, prescriptions and treatment plans, your testimony, and testimony from close family, friends, or colleagues who can attest to how the injury or accident has affected you.
Types of Injuries That Cause Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Some injuries that commonly lead people to sue for this damage are paralysis, damage to the spinal cord, and severe burns. Injuries that lead to permanent physical disability, chronic pain, mental and emotional distress, loss of senses, a loss of recreational activities or independence, disfigurement, or cognitive impairment may all qualify to receive compensation.
Can You Sue Someone for Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
Yes, you can sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life. The first step in making a personal injury claim for compensation for noneconomic damages is to consult with an attorney. Look for a free consultation to help you determine if your case could make it to court.
Then, your attorney will help gather medical records, expert opinions, statements from witnesses, and other evidence relating to your claim. There is a chance that you could negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party, but if not, the attorney will help you get your claim to court.
Making a Case of Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident and are suffering from loss of enjoyment of life, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Just reach out via our website.