Partner
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering what your quality of life will be like going forward. How will the injury impact your ability to work and live your life as you did before? In a personal injury lawsuit, one of the most important factors is the victim’s quality of life. But what does that mean? And how is it evaluated? Read on to learn more from our New Jersey personal injury attorneys.
What is Quality of Life and Why is it Important in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Quality of life is an essential consideration in any personal injury lawsuit. Quality of life refers to an individual’s physical and mental well-being. It includes physical health, job satisfaction, and social interactions. Quality of life is vital because it helps determine the value of a person’s damages.
For example, if an individual suffers severe injuries that prevent him from working, his quality of life will be lower than someone who has not been injured. As a result, the injured individual may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings and pain and suffering.
Quality of life is also important because it can help identify non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are damages that are not easily quantifiable, such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life. By considering the impact of an injury on an individual’s quality of life, courts can ensure that victims are fairly compensated for all of their losses.
What Type of Compensation Does Quality of Life Include?
Quality of life damages generally includes compensation for pain and suffering. But quality-of-life damages can consist of much more. Things like:
- the inability to engage in physical activity
- damage to reputation
- physical mutilation or deformity
- sterility
- loss of an organ
- the loss of enjoyment of living
In sum, many intangible things are part of these quality of life damages.
What Factors are Considered When Awarding Quality of Life Damages to an Injured Person?
A wide range of variables must be considered when determining compensation for a personal injury claim of quality-of-life damages. Some of these variables include:
- Age of the injured person
- Education background
- Work history
- The severity of injury and
- The appearance of the injured person
Experience has indicated that the proving quality of life damages is complicated and that this list does not include all important factors that should be considered.
How Do these Damages Help an Injured Person Recover From Their Injuries and Move on With Their Life?
While damages in a personal injury case cannot undo the injuries that have been inflicted, they can help the injured person to rebuild their life and recover some measure of what they have lost. Quality of life damages can include therapy reimbursement, home modification costs, and damages for pain and suffering. By compensating the injured person for their pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses, quality of life damages help them move on from or adapt to their injuries and reclaim their life.
How Do I Know I Have a Valid Quality of Life Claim in New Jersey?
Many different factors can contribute to a person’s quality of life. To determine whether or not you have a valid quality of life claim in New Jersey, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney. Some of the factors that may be considered when determining whether or not you have a valid claim include the following:
- The severity of your medical condition
- Your current level of pain and suffering
- Your prognosis
- Your ability to work and earn a living
- Your ability to enjoy hobbies and activities
- The impact your medical condition has on your family and personal relationships
If you believe your medical condition has significantly diminished your quality of life, you should consult an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You Seek Compensation
If someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your debilitating accident, you have a right to receive compensation. We have expert attorneys that can help you regain compensation for quality-of-life damages. Contact us today for a free consultation and discuss your claim.