When you think about the types of injuries you suffer in a car accident, your mind likely goes to your physical injuries. These are easy to prove and can help you qualify for a larger insurance payout or a better settlement if you file a lawsuit against the other driver or drivers involved. However, physical injuries are not the only type of injury your Chicago car accident attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation for.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be eligible to seek damages for pain and suffering. Let’s take a look at what these damages are and how you can prove pain and suffering.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional anguish you experience as a result of an accident. These damages are typically awarded in addition to compensatory damages for your medical bills and ongoing treatments. However, since pain and suffering is not backed by a medical bill or projected future medical costs, proving that you’re entitled to these damages can be more difficult.
How to Prove Pain and Suffering
Proving that you’re experiencing pain and suffering as a result of the car accident isn’t as simple as presenting the court with medical bills. Your Chicago car accident attorney will help you identify the best forms of evidence to strengthen your case, but most qualifying cases can establish pain and suffering by doing the following.
Refer to Medical Records
Your medical records are more extensive than you might realize. Your doctor should document any ongoing conditions, side effects, work restrictions, and other difficulties you’re experiencing throughout your recovery. You’ll want to collect your most recent medical records from each doctor or specialist you’re working with.
Rely on Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses are true experts in their fields who your attorney can hire to examine your medical records and supporting evidence to show pain and suffering. They can also testify on your behalf if your case goes to court. Your attorney will be able to find expert witnesses for your case if needed.
Consider Working With a Therapist
Since proving pain and suffering requires showing that you’re experiencing ongoing complications from your injuries, working with a therapist may strengthen your case. They’ll be able to speak to the difficulties you’re experiencing after the accident and can show the court how your physical injuries have impacted your life negatively.
Journal About Your Experience
Journaling about your experience and the way your accident has impacted your life can help strengthen your claim. Your attorney can use those journals as evidence highlighting the ways your life has been impacted by your injuries and the accident. If you’re concerned about sharing personal details with your attorney, it’s important to note that the more information you can provide them with, the easier it will be for them to represent your case.
How to Tell if Pain and Suffering Is Worth Pursuing
If your car accident caused suffering and undue pain in your life or made your life more difficult in any significant way, suing for pain and suffering may be a good choice. The best way to know for sure is to discuss your case with your Chicago car accident attorney.
Let Fabbrini Law Group Help With Your Case
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and your injuries have interrupted your life in a way that doesn’t feel typical, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering. Schedule a consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney at Fabbrini Law Group today and let us help you better understand your options.