Damages in a personal injury claim can either be economic or non-economic. Economic damages are the direct financial losses from the accident, like medical bills and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages are non-monetary losses like pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of consortium and a diminished quality of life.
Proving non-economic damages in a personal injury claim can be challenging as they are subjective and cannot be quantified. For instance, you cannot provide receipts showing the degree of pain or emotional anguish you suffered. So, how can you prove the non-economic damages you are entitled to? Here is how you can go about it.
Medical evidence and expert testimony are key
Medical records can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries, which can help infer the pain and suffering you endured. Medical evidence can also provide a basis for expert testimony from doctors and other medical professionals like psychologists who can speak to your pain, suffering and long-term prognosis.
Testimony from friends and family
Your close friends and family members can also testify how your injuries have affected your emotional well-being, relationships and ability to enjoy life. Their testimony can help show how your life has changed for the worse since the accident.
Your personal statements and journals
Your journal entries can provide a firsthand account of how your injuries have affected your daily life and emotional well-being. These can be powerful pieces of evidence when presented in court.
Proper legal guidance can go a long way
Proving non-economic damages in a personal injury claim requires a combination of evidence and expert testimony. Remember, you cannot claim compensation for damages you cannot prove.
It explains the importance of seeking informed counsel to help you gather the necessary evidence and build your case. It can significantly increase your chances of getting an appropriate settlement.