Chronic pain is a type of car accident injury. If you suffer from chronic pain after a collision, you may receive compensation.
The Elrod Pope Law Firm car accident attorneys discuss compensating chronic pain after a car accident.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that persists after a typical recovery period or for an unusually long period of time. It may follow a sudden event, develop from a medical problem, or have no known cause.
Chronic Pain After a Car Accident
Chronic pain may occur in two ways following a car accident. First, it can occur when pain persists after injuries have healed. Second, it may accompany serious and long-term injuries that do not heal following a car accident.
Chronic pain may be:
- Caused by inflammation, nerve damage, muscle tension, or have no known cause
- Made more serious because of underlying health conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia
- Mild, moderate, or severe
- The catalyst for additional health problems because of a lack of mobility
- Increased because of stress and cortisol (PBS, Chronic Pain After a Car Accident)
A victim may seek compensation for chronic pain as part of their case for compensation.
How Is Chronic Pain From a Car Accident Compensated?
Chronic pain may be compensated for from a car accident in two ways. First, chronic pain may have an economic impact on the victim. The victim may need medical care to address and treat the chronic pain. They may be unable to work. These are economic losses that should be compensated. Second, chronic pain should be compensated as pain and suffering and for the emotional anguish that it causes.
The appropriate amount depends on its severity
Just as chronic pain varies in its severity and impact on the person’s life, compensation for chronic pain varies. The more it impacts your life, and the more you suffer, the more compensation you should receive. Typically, the cost of medical bills and anticipated future needs are applied to a multiplier that is proportional to the person’s relative suffering to arrive at a pain and suffering amount.
Expert testimony is critical
Because the amount that a person receives depends on their relative suffering, it’s critical to prove the severity of the pain and how it impacts the victim’s life. Typically, the victim presents expert medical testimony speaking to the chronic pain, its severity, and how it impacts the functioning of the victim.
Future medical care may be included
Car accident claims may include damages for future losses. If the person is going to need prescriptions, medical care, assistive devices, and other things in the future, these are costs that can be claimed. They must be a part of the initial claim – they cannot be added over time as the expenses develop. The victim must identify and prove their future damages.
It’s important to follow your medical care plan
Following your doctor’s care plan is important. By attending your medical appointments and abiding by your restrictions, you prevent the defense from arguing that you didn’t do all that you could to heal from your injuries.
Is it difficult to get chronic pain compensation because of a car accident?
Chronic pain cannot be seen on an X-ray. You must have medical evidence, and you must show how the pain has impacted you. You can receive compensation for chronic pain from a car accident by diligently preparing your case and understanding the law that applies.
Rock Hill Lawyers for Chronic Pain After a Car Accident
At Elrod Pope Law Firm, we are lawyers for people suffering from chronic pain after a car accident. We want you to receive the compensation that you deserve. Call us at (803) 599-3080, or submit our contact form today for a consultation for your case.
