Can You Sue Someone for Loss of Enjoyment of Life?

If you’re hurt in a car crash, workplace accident, or other situation involving someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney could advocate for a settlement that includes economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. But can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life?

The team at Alpizar Law, LLC, is here to explain what you need to know about non-economic losses in personal injury cases. Find out whether you can claim emotional distress damages in a lawsuit.

What Injuries May Seriously Impact One’s Quality of Life?

Suppose you slip and fall on a wet grocery store floor and sprain your wrist. Depending on the nature of the accident, you could potentially sue the property owner for your medical costs. However, a minor injury like this usually doesn’t lead to extensive pain and suffering.

So, when can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life? Lawyers may advocate for non-economic personal injury damages when their client sustains serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries: A TBI could alter someone’s cognitive abilities, cause intense mood swings, and increase irritability.
• Disfigurement: Permanent disfigurement, such as limb loss or extreme facial scarring, can have a lasting impact on one’s mental health and daily function.
• Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis leave patients unable to participate in many of their normal activities, which can have a tremendous impact on their quality of life.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, consult an attorney about your injuries and whether you can include pain and suffering damages in your compensation claim.

How To Prove Loss of Enjoyment of Life Following a Personal Injury

Ask an attorney, “Can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life?” and they’ll tell you that seeking pain and suffering damages is possible. However, you’ll need to gather evidence supporting your claim. Plaintiffs can use various pieces of evidence to back up their claims, such as:

• Testimony from loved ones: Your friends, family, and colleagues can reveal their take on how the injury has impacted your quality of life.
• Personal statements: You could maintain a journal detailing your thoughts, feelings, and struggles regarding your injury.
• Medical records: If a doctor or mental health professional treats you for depression, anxiety, or similar conditions stemming from your injury, your medical records may support your claim.

Challenges in Pursuing Pain and Suffering Damages

Collecting non-economic damages in a personal injury suit isn’t a certain outcome. Some insurance companies may not share the same definition of “enjoyment of life” as you and your legal team. Their skepticism could make settlement negotiations difficult.

Say you’ve been treated for moderate depression in the past, but after sustaining an injury, you experience severe depression symptoms. Can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life and receive damages? Proving your case may be challenging given your pre-existing condition.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

If you ask a lawyer, “Can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life?” they may tell you that it’s possible, but these are likely not the only damages to pursue. Personal injury plaintiffs often seek economic damages like medical costs, lost wages, and property damage compensation, in addition to non-economic damages.

Every case is different, and potential settlements vary by the extent of one’s damages. For instance, if a spinal cord injury lands you in the hospital for months and leaves you permanently disabled, it will impact the overall damages you claim. On the other hand, someone who sustains minor injuries in a car accident and experiences slight anxiety due to the crash could have a much different case value.

Please note that compensation is never a certain outcome, and lawyers cannot ensure a specific amount. Throughout the process, attorneys carefully review a victim’s damages and advocate for a settlement that properly reflects their losses.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Not only can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life, but their gross negligence may even lead to punitive damages. Navigating the legal system can be daunting for victims, so it helps to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side.

Contact Alpizar Law, LLC if you’re interested in taking legal action after an accident. Our personal injury attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience and offer personalized support to every client. Submit our online request form or call (321) 676-2511 to schedule a free consultation today.