Can I Recover Compensation for Pain and Suffering after a Slip and Fall?
The pain stemming from a serious injury can take a considerable toll on your psychological well-being. Many accident victims are unable to enjoy their lives, left to grit their teeth through the agony as they wait for their condition to improve.
If you’re struggling with immense pain, you might be wondering whether you can seek compensation for the suffering you’ve endured because of a slip and fall accident. The short answer is yes. However, as you can imagine, demonstrating the severity of these “invisible scars” can be a complex undertaking.
Unlike your medical treatments and repairs, which are accompanied by invoices, estimates, and receipts, there is no paperwork for your inner turmoil. As such, your goal is to gather evidence that could help give others a window into the ways you’ve suffered since the wreck.
Let’s look at a few types of proof that could help you build a case for non-economic damages:
Personal Injury Journal Entries
A personal injury journal, sometimes referred to as a post-accident diary, is a convenient way to document your life in the wake of a wreck. In your entries, you can keep track of your pain levels, log medication side effects, describe any limitations you are experiencing because of your condition, and keep notes on what is said during your doctor’s appointments and consultations with specialists.
An attorney may be able to use your entries to illustrate how your injuries have affected your everyday life. For instance, if you suffered a neck injury that has left you unable to enjoy your hobbies or engage in physical activity, in-depth descriptions of how and why your condition is inhibiting your ability to return to your old lifestyle can help show others how you’ve suffered.
Psychiatric Records
An injury can lead to considerable emotional distress. Some victims even develop severe mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If you believe the accident has had a drastic effect on your psychological health, it may be worthwhile to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Any associated records may be able to help you build a case for non-economic damages.
Witness Testimony
Family members, friends, and colleagues can provide testimony regarding changes they’ve noticed in your personality and behavior since the wreck. Additionally, expert witnesses may be able to provide further insight into how you might be suffering. For instance, if you sustained a traumatic brain injury, a neurologist may be able to help explain some of the challenges you are facing.
Discuss Your Case with a Slip and Fall Attorney in California Today
Think you might have a case for non-economic damages? The attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can assess your claim as part of a free consultation to determine which kinds of losses might be available to you.
With decades of collective experience, you can rest assured that we possess the necessary resources and knowledge to provide reliable guidance at every stage of proceedings. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact page HERE to lock in a free case evaluation with a California slip and fall attorney.
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