When you suffer an injury, the physical pain is often the first thing you think about. However, emotional distress is another significant impact that can result from an accident. If you’ve been injured, you might wonder if you can seek compensation for emotional pain. The answer is yes, but there are several factors to consider.
Understanding what qualifies as emotional distress
Emotional distress refers to the mental anguish caused by your injury. It includes symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, or anger. These feelings can disrupt your daily life and well-being. If your injury leads to emotional distress, you may be able to claim compensation for it.
Proving emotional distress
Proving emotional distress is more challenging than proving physical injuries. There are no visible signs of emotional pain, so you need to provide strong evidence. This can include medical records, therapy notes, or statements from mental health professionals. You may also need to show how the emotional distress has affected your relationships and quality of life.
Types of damages you can receive
If your emotional distress claim is successful, you could receive substantial compensation. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, emotional distress damages are included in many personal injury settlements. The amount varies based on factors like the severity of your distress, the duration of symptoms, and the impact on your daily life.
How to strengthen your case
Documenting your emotional distress is essential. Keep a journal of your feelings and how they affect your life. Seeking professional help, like therapy or counseling, not only supports your mental health but also adds weight to your claim. Working with a personal injury lawyer experienced in emotional distress claims can guide you through the process.
Emotional distress can have a lasting effect on your life, and you deserve compensation for it. By gathering evidence and seeking the right help, you can pursue a fair settlement.