Clients often ask, “Can I receive compensation for pain and suffering?”
The answer is simple: yes! If you’ve been involved in an accident in Martinsburg, WV, Winchester, VA, or Charles Town, WV, proving pain and suffering can play a crucial role in securing compensation you could be entitled to. Watch Andrew’s video to learn more.
When lawyers talk about “damages,” they’re referring to the different kinds of losses you might be able to get compensation for after an accident. Many people are surprised to learn that they can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Sometimes, there are even settlements specifically for pain and suffering caused by an accident.
So, what exactly does “pain and suffering” mean? Pain and suffering usually refers to the physical discomfort or pain you feel after an accident. If the crash injured you, causing broken bones, cuts, bruises, or other physical pain, you can include this in your pain and suffering claim. However, pain and suffering doesn’t stop with just physical injuries.
Emotional distress is another form of pain and suffering that you might deal with after an accident. For example, if you’ve experienced PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) from the crash, you could also seek compensation for the emotional toll it’s taken on you.
It’s worth mentioning that you can’t just claim pain and suffering without proof. To recover compensation for pain and suffering, you must show that you have endured it. This can sometimes be the most challenging part of a claim. The good news is, there are things you can do to strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of getting a fair settlement.
One of the most important things you can do is to talk to your medical providers about what you’re going through. Don’t be shy about explaining the physical pain you’re experiencing or the emotional distress you may be feeling. Tell your doctor how the accident has affected your daily life, whether it’s difficulty moving, sleeping, working, or enjoying regular activities. If you’ve been dealing with anxiety, depression, or flashbacks, let your doctor know about those feelings too. The more information your healthcare providers have, the better they can document your pain and suffering in your medical records. These records are one of the key pieces of evidence we’ll use to prove your case.
In addition to medical records, your accounts of what you’re going through can also be important. Keeping a journal can be very helpful in showing how the accident has affected your life. This record can show how your injuries have affected your emotional well-being and day-to-day activities. If you have any witnesses who saw how the accident has changed your life, their testimonies could also be helpful.
At Skinner, we properly document your injuries and suffering, then work with insurance adjusters or take your case to court. Insurance companies will review all the evidence, including medical records and personal accounts, to determine how much compensation they offer. If the case goes to trial, a jury will decide the damages based on your testimony and evidence.
In short, if you’re injured in a wreck, you could get compensation for pain and suffering. It’s not just about physical injuries—it can cover emotional distress too, like PTSD.
Whether it’s through insurance negotiations or in the courtroom, you deserve full and fair compensation after an accident. This includes covering financial costs, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering account for the emotional distress, physical discomfort, and the overall impact on your quality of life caused by the accident. To build a strong case, it’s crucial to prove the suffering you’ve endured—keep track of your experiences and discuss them openly with your medical providers. This process helps ensure you can move forward with the justice and support you deserve. Andrew explains more about this frequently asked question in our FAQ accident series.
The Skinner brothers are here to help. Call Skinner Lawyers for answers to your legal questions!