Car accidents cause a range of different losses. They are categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are generally easier to calculate, but the same cannot be said for non-economic damages.
Claiming non-economic damages is crucial to helping victims recover from emotional and psychological distress. Victims should consider getting help from a car accident lawyer to deal with the challenges involved in such instances.
In this blog post, we will discuss what non-economic damages are, how they are classified, and how to claim them more easily.
What are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are compensation for intangible losses that have no direct monetary value. In contrast to economic damages, which can be estimated using receipts, invoices, and bank statements, non-economic losses are more subjective and focus on the emotional and psychological impact of the accident on the victim’s life. The following are some of the types of losses that fall under non-economic damages in a car accident.1. Pain and Suffering
The most common non-economic damages that most people experience, regardless of the injury’s seriousness, are pain and suffering. It allows the person to gain compensation for the difficulty, pain, and discomfort that their injuries have given them. This can also include constant pain from back injuries, fractures, or long-term conditions brought on by the incident. The amount offered will be determined by taking into account the degree of pain, the effect it has on the individual’s quality of life, and the possibility of long-term suffering.
2. Emotional Distress
The psychological effects of an injury, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep difficulties, are covered under damages for emotional distress. Trauma may be experienced by victims as a result of their injuries or the accident itself. Since emotional trauma can have an impact on a person’s relationships, productivity at work, and general well-being, it is considered an important component of non-economic losses.3. Loss of Enjoyment of Life
The loss of enjoyment of activities is referred to as this type of damage. For instance, someone who once enjoyed dancing but now has fractures in his leg from a car crash would be unable to continue doing it for a few months or maybe for a long time. Thus, he will no longer enjoy himself. So, if the injuries limit the victim from participating in their typical leisure activities, we can classify this as non-economic damage and file a claim for it.4. Loss of Partnership
This refers to the effect of the damage on the victim’s relationships, specifically the loss of companionship, affection, and intimate bonds between spouses or partners. If an accident causes someone to be physically or emotionally disabled, it can strain or even harm relationships. In such instances, the injured party’s spouse may seek compensation for lost companionship and support.5. Disfigurement and Scarring
If a car accident causes scarring or disability, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and psychological impact on their life. For example, visible scars or amputations can cause deep sorrow and have a negative impact on the victim’s confidence, body image, and social relationships. An impairment can impact one’s capacity to work, enjoy life, or simply perform daily tasks, hence justifying non-economic damages.How to Claim Non-Economic Damages?
After a car accident, inform the police, and remember to consult a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible since they play an important role in negotiating with the insurance company. Furthermore, the lawyer is aware of the losses that can be claimed, particularly non-economic damages, which some insurance companies refuse to cover. Here are some pieces of evidence that help claim non-economic damages.- Medical Records: Keep a record of all medical treatments and psychological appointments and submit it to your personal injury lawyer.
- Photographs: Although non-economic losses cannot be measured, your lawyer will assist you in collecting and providing the necessary documents. You can provide pictures of your deformities, amputations, and injuries.
- Testimonies: You could include letters or testimony from your medical and mental health professionals and family and friends.
