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How To Prove Pain And Suffering In A Louisiana Personal Injury Case

  • By: Gennusa Firm
Hand arranging wooden blocks spelling PERSONAL INJURY LAW surrounded by pills, symbolizing injury claims.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’ll quickly find out that it’s not just medical bills and vehicle repairs you’ll have to deal with. You’ll also find yourself coping with the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. These effects, known as pain and suffering in Louisiana, are a legally recognized part of a personal injury claim. However, proving this type of damage requires clear evidence and a thoughtful legal strategy. We’ll address some key questions, such as…

  • How pain and suffering are defined in Louisiana.
  • How to gather evidence of your pain and suffering after an accident.
  • Why it’s crucial to let an experienced attorney help you seek compensation for these losses.

What Qualifies As Pain And Suffering In A Louisiana Personal Injury Case?

In Louisiana, pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury. There is no exact formula to calculate this type of compensation, so it depends on several factors, including:

  • The type and severity of the accident;
  • The seriousness of the injury;
  • The duration and nature of medical treatment; and
  • The impact the injury has had on your daily life.

Every case is unique, and compensation is evaluated based on the overall effect of the injury on your well-being.

How Can Emotional Distress After An Accident Be Documented?

Emotional distress, also known as mental anguish, is recognized as a recoverable form of damage in Louisiana. It may apply to:

  • A person who was directly injured;
  • Someone who witnessed a traumatic event; and
  • Someone who came upon the scene shortly after it occurred.

However, for emotional distress to be compensable, it must be severe, debilitating, and foreseeable. To support this part of your claim, medical records from a licensed professional documenting your psychological condition are generally required.

What Evidence Strengthens Pain And Suffering Damages?

The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of recovering full compensation. Helpful documentation includes:

  • Police or accident reports;
  • Photos of property damage;
  • Medical records and bills;
  • Evidence of ongoing treatment like physical therapy or counseling; and
  • Journal entries or testimony about how the injury has impacted your life.

All of this can help paint a clearer picture of the suffering you’ve endured.

Are There Limits On Pain And Suffering Compensation In Louisiana Personal Injury Cases?

Technically, Louisiana law does not cap the amount of pain and suffering compensation you can receive. However, in practice, the total amount you can recover may be limited by:

  • The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits; and
  • The available sources of compensation.

For this reason, it’s vital to identify all possible liable parties and insurance policies early in the process.

Why Is It Important To Hire An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney When Seeking Non-Economic Damages?

When it comes to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, insurance companies aren’t on your side. Their main goal is to limit what they pay out, not to ensure you’re fairly compensated. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference.

A skilled attorney knows how to preserve evidence early on and will guide you in getting the medical care necessary to properly document your injuries. Beyond just the physical harm, they understand how to evaluate the broader impact on your life, ranging from the pain you suffer, the emotional distress you experience, and the loss of enjoyment that doesn’t show up on a medical bill.

Just as importantly, an experienced lawyer knows the strategies insurance companies use to reduce or deny claims and can push back effectively. With the right legal support, you’re far less likely to settle for less than you truly deserve.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on pain and suffering damages in Louisiana, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 298-1983 today.

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