After a serious accident such as a motor vehicle crash or a slip-and-fall, you may deal with more than just physical injuries. Emotional distress is a common result of these accidents and can cause as much damage as physical injuries.
But is emotional distress covered in personal injury claims? Here is what you need to know.
What is emotional distress?
Emotional distress refers to the mental and emotional suffering you experience from an injury or traumatic event. This can include feelings of anxiety, depression, fear and grief, as well as problems with sleep, concentration and relationships. Emotional distress can seriously affect a person’s physical and mental health.
Is emotional distress covered in personal injury claims?
In many cases, emotional distress is a type of “non-economic damage,” which means that it is not directly tied to a financial loss. In personal injury claims, you may recover non-economic damages, including emotional distress. This means that if you claim damages for emotional distress as a result of a motor vehicle accident, you have a chance to recover compensation for your suffering.
How do I prove emotional distress for my claim?
There are several ways to demonstrate the existence and severity of your emotional distress. You can use testimony from friends, family members and other witnesses who can describe the changes in your emotional state and behavior after the accident. Additionally, medical records and evaluations from mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, can provide evidence of your emotional distress.
If you experience emotional distress as a result of an accident, you can gather strong evidence to increase your chances of a successful outcome.