An accident can change your life in ways you might not expect. Beyond the medical bills and missed paychecks, you could face a lasting impact on your overall happiness and ability to enjoy life. This is what quality of life damages address.
Reduced quality of life refers to how much your injuries affect your physical, emotional, and social well-being. These losses fall under the category of non-economic damages in personal injury cases. While they may be harder to measure, they are just as important as financial losses when seeking fair compensation.
Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims involve two main types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the financial costs of your injuries. Common examples include:
- Medical bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering from your injuries.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacements, such as fixing your car after a crash.
Economic damages are usually straightforward to calculate because they involve direct costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal and emotional toll of your injuries, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and mental distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Reduced ability to engage in hobbies, travel, or other activities.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma stemming from the accident.
- Reduced quality of life: Overall decline in well-being and satisfaction with life.
These damages address the deeper, more personal effects of an injury that can’t be measured in dollars.
How Injuries Can Affect Your Quality of Life
Reduced quality of life damages recognize how an injury changes your ability to live as you did before the accident.
Common examples include:
- Physical limitations: You might struggle to walk, drive, or perform simple daily tasks.
- Chronic pain: Constant discomfort can make it hard to focus or enjoy activities.
- Emotional struggles: Feelings of sadness, frustration, or anger may become part of your daily life.
- Social isolation: Physical or emotional challenges can make it harder to connect with loved ones.
For example, if you were an avid gardener but now find it too painful to work in your yard, this loss of joy and fulfillment directly affects your quality of life.
Proving Reduced Quality of Life Damages
Since diminished quality of life damages are subjective, proving them can be more challenging than showing financial losses. However, with the right evidence, you can build a strong case.
Evidence That Supports Your Claim
To demonstrate how your injuries have impacted your quality of life, you can provide:
- Your testimony: Explain in your own words how your life has changed.
- Medical records: Show the extent of your injuries and treatments.
- Photos or videos: Provide visual evidence of your injuries and their effects.
- Statements from loved ones: Friends and family can describe how they’ve seen your behavior or mood change.
- Expert opinions: Professionals like doctors or therapists can speak to how your injuries affect your daily activities.
For instance, a spouse might testify about how your injury has made it difficult for you to participate in family outings. As another example, a doctor can confirm that your pain limits your mobility.
Factors That Can Influence Quality of Life Damages
Not all cases are the same, and several factors can impact how much compensation you might receive for your reduced quality of life. These include:
- The severity of the injury: More serious injuries often lead to greater compensation.
- Duration of the impact: Permanent disabilities are typically valued higher than temporary ones.
- Your age and lifestyle: Young, active individuals may face a bigger loss than older, less active individuals.
- Emotional impact: The mental toll of an injury, such as depression or anxiety, can also increase the value of your claim.
Courts and insurance companies consider these details when determining what to award for your non-economic damages.
Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Essential
Insurance companies often undervalue reduced quality of life damages because they can’t be measured with receipts or bills.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you fight back by:
- Gathering evidence: Your attorney can collect medical records, expert opinions, and other proof.
- Negotiating with insurers: Lawyers know how to advocate for fair compensation.
- Telling your story: Your attorney can present your case clearly and persuasively.
Having a lawyer ensures that your diminished quality of life is fully considered when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court.
A St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Value Your Reduced Quality of Life Damages
If your quality of life has been affected by an injury, you may be entitled to compensation. A St. Louis personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and work to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today at (636) 519-0085 to learn more about your rights and options. Let an experienced attorney at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
