I was badly injured in a car accident in the San Fernando Valley. I know my medical and doctor bills should be covered by insurance, but what about my pain and suffering?
In California, an individual who was injured in an auto accident may recover for pain and suffering. There are two broad types of damages, or financial recovery, available: Economic and Non-Economic. Damages for pain and suffering fall into the non-economic category and can be the most controversial part of an auto accident case; in part because they are not easily defined or quantified without the guidance of an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Non-Economic Damages
California operates under a “tort liability system” that governs how pain and suffering claims are to be litigated. There are no restrictions on who can or cannot sue for personal injury damages and this type damages is decided on a case-by-case basis according to the facts of the case and the amount of damages typically awarded in similar cases.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering / Humiliation
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (loss of spousal companionship and services)
Again, it is important to note that proving damages for pain and suffering is often one of the more complex issues that arises in a personal injury case. In order to recover the financial compensation your pain and suffering deserves, you will want to have certain documentary evidence, including medical records, and in some cases, an expert witness who can convincingly share what your pain and suffering must feel like with the judge and/or jury.
For more information on the types of financial recovery available to an auto accident victim, speak to the experienced legal professionals. Auto accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg and his knowledgeable team have been handling San Fernando Valley car accident cases for years. They know the law, and your legal rights. Contact attorney Goldberg today.
