Pain and suffering damages are a crucial aspect of any personal injury claim. Recovering these damages is often pivotal to plaintiffs when trying to get their lives back on track.
Any type of injury may warrant recovery of pain and suffering damages in Pennsylvania. However, the amount of compensation you receive for your pain and suffering will be based on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your injury and its overall impact on your life. Guidance from our experienced legal professionals can be very helpful when fighting for these non-economic damages. We will help gather the required evidence and negotiate for the maximum amount of payment available.
Get help from our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by dialing (215) 709-6940 for a free case evaluation.
Injuries that Qualify for Pain and Suffering Damages in Pennsylvania
There is a wide variety of injuries that may qualify for pain and suffering damages. If you incurred any of the following as a result of another party’s negligence, then our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers will help build your case:
Physical Injuries
First, any type of physical injury that causes pain can qualify for pain and suffering damages. Some injuries that are particularly excruciating include broken bones, burns, back injuries, and soft tissue damage. The pain caused by many physical injuries often leads to reduced mobility as well as an inability to work and enjoy preferred hobbies.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
There is a range of emotional and psychological injuries that may warrant a claim for pain and suffering damages. For instance, victims of traumatic accidents may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those who suffer from PTSD can experience symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the events at issue. These symptoms can severely disrupt peoples’ daily routines.
Moreover, some victims will develop emotional injuries like anxiety and depression. These disorders can produce many harmful symptoms, such as hopelessness, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Some accident victims will develop chronic pain conditions as a result of their injuries. For example, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia are common conditions that may qualify for pain and suffering damages.
According to Stanford Medicine, CRPS is characterized by severe, persistent pain that is often disproportionate to the initial injury and can spread to other parts of the body. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic states that fibromyalgia involves widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by sleep, fatigue, mood issues, and memory loss. Both conditions can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, maintain employment, and enjoy previously loved activities.
Still, there are many other examples of chronic pain conditions that can qualify for pain and suffering damages. For instance, a plaintiff may recover such damages because they developed chronic migraines, arthritis, neuropathy, or degenerative disc disease.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Disfigurement and scarring resulting from an accident or injury can also warrant pain and suffering compensation. The physical and emotional impact of visible scars or disfigurement can be profound. In many cases, victims experience detrimental impacts to their self-esteem and have trouble engaging in social interactions. For example, someone who has facial scars from their car accident injuries may be reluctant to go out for a social event with friends.
The psychological effects of scarring and disfigurement are significant factors in determining the amount of pain and suffering damages to be awarded in a particular case.
Examples of Physical Injuries that Cause Significant Pain and Suffering in Pennsylvania
As previously discussed, nearly any type of physical injury may warrant a claim for pain and suffering. However, certain types of injuries may warrant more substantial compensation because of the significant pain and suffering they cause.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are an excruciatingly painful type of injury suffered by personal injury plaintiffs in Pennsylvania. These injuries can be particularly painful when they involve multiple breaks or compound fractures.
The recovery process for those with broken bones can be long and painful. Many will require casting and have to undergo extended periods of immobilization. Moreover, strenuous physical therapy may be necessary for victims to regain their strength and mobility.
In certain cases, such as those involving severe fractures to the pelvis or spine, victims may develop permanent disabilities and chronic pain conditions. These can severely increase the value of their pain and suffering claims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In addition to causing excruciating pain, spinal cord injuries may produce partial or complete paralysis. Additionally, those with spinal cord injuries often face a lifetime of medical care, including recurring surgeries, rehabilitative therapies, and the use of assistive devices. The loss of independence and the need for constant assistance can be emotionally devastating. Therefore, spinal injuries often warrant the recovery of substantial compensation for pain and suffering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can cause severe and long-lasting effects on peoples’ cognitive and physical abilities. Symptoms of such injuries can vary but may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, and changes in behavior or personality.
Brain injuries, like the others on this list, can make it very challenging to return to work or engage in social activities. The recovery process can be slow and uncertain, with some individuals experiencing permanent impairments. The emotional and psychological impact of adapting to these changes can be devastating.
Severe Burns
Burns are some of the most painful injuries that personal injury victims can sustain. In addition to causing debilitating pain, severe burns can cause extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
Victims with serious burn injuries often require skin grafts and lengthy hospital stays. The healing process can be incredibly painful and may result in significant scarring and disfigurement. Burns can also limit mobility, depending on their location and severity. The physical pain combined with the emotional trauma of visible scars can produce substantial pain and suffering.
Call Our Lawyers for Help Recovering Pain and Suffering Damages in Pennsylvania
Get support from our Chester County, PA personal injury lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
