When you get injured in an accident, your injuries can impact more than just your finances. They can also impact virtually all aspects of your day-to-day life. In New Jersey, accident victims can recover financial compensation for these “non-financial” losses—in the form of damages for pain and suffering.
In New Jersey, it is possible to seek compensation for pain and suffering after any type of serious accident. This includes vehicle collisions, boating accidents, dog attacks, and falls. But proving your right to damages for pain and suffering is not easy. There must be clear evidence of your non-financial losses, and it requires the representation of an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer.
How to Improve Your Chances of Recovering Compensation for Pain and Suffering
When you have a personal injury claim, you will not receive compensation for pain and suffering automatically. Instead, it is up to you to prove that you have a valid claim. With this in mind, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of recovering just compensation:
- Keep a Daily “Pain Journal” – Keeping a daily “pain journal” will help you track your pain levels over time. Try to get in the habit of recording your pain level when you wake up each morning and at various points throughout the day.
- Document the Day-to-Day Effects of Your Injuries – In addition to documenting your pain levels, you should also try to document the other day-to-day effects of your injuries. Missing important events, not being able to take part in family gatherings, and not enjoying your hobbies are all “non-financial” losses for which financial compensation is available.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Medical Advice – When seeking financial compensation after an accident, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s advice. If you don’t, the insurance companies may try to blame you for causing your own pain and suffering.
- Work with Your Attorney to Calculate Just Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering – Since pain and suffering are non-financial losses, you cannot simply add up your losses to calculate the value of your claim. Your attorney will need to place a reasonable dollar value on your pain and suffering consistent with New Jersey law.
All these steps will assist your attorney in proving your claim for damages. But your attorney will need to investigate as well. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances will be of recovering just compensation. You can also lose your claim if you don’t file it in time, so it is best to consult with an attorney right away.
Talk to a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer About Seeking Pain and Suffering Damages
If you were injured in an accident and would like to speak with a lawyer about seeking just compensation for your pain and suffering, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. To speak with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer in confidence, call 877-435-6371 or contact us online today.
