The Silent Suffering: Noneconomic Injuries That Change Lives

The Silent Suffering: Noneconomic Injuries That Change Lives

• Feb 26, 2025
• Admin

Injuries do more than cause physical pain or financial loss. They can also lead to emotional struggles, stress, and a reduced quality of life. These types of damages are called noneconomic injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, noneconomic damages do not have a fixed price. But they can be just as devastating.

Victims often need the help of a lawyer or attorney to prove the impact of these injuries. Injury trial attorneys use medical reports, witness statements, and personal testimony to show how an injury has affected someone’s life. Below are common types of noneconomic injuries that may be included in a legal claim.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain a person experiences after an injury. This can include:

Chronic pain

Limited mobility

Long-term discomfort

For example, someone in a car accident may suffer back pain that never fully goes away. It may prevent them from working, exercising, or doing simple daily tasks. Injury lawsuit lawyers or attorneys help victims prove this pain to get fair compensation.

Emotional Distress

An injury does not just affect the body. Many victims also struggle with emotional and mental health issues. They may feel:

Anxiety

Depression

Post-traumatic stress

A person who survived a serious accident may have nightmares, panic attacks, or a fear of driving. Proving emotional distress often requires:

Mental health evaluations

Testimony from family or therapists

Medical records showing treatment

The attorneys use these documents to show how an injury affects a person’s daily life and mental well-being.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Some injuries make it impossible for victims to enjoy activities they once loved. This could include hobbies, exercise, or time with family and friends.

Courts look at:

What activities the victim enjoyed before the injury

How much the injury limits those activities

Statements from loved ones about the changes in lifestyle

For example, a runner who can no longer jog due to a leg injury may claim loss of enjoyment. Injury lawsuit lawyers present evidence to help victims receive compensation for this loss.

Loss of Consortium

This type of damage refers to how an injury affects personal relationships, especially between spouses. When someone is severely injured, their relationship with their partner may change. They may lose:

Emotional support

Affection

Physical intimacy

In some cases, a spouse may even file a separate claim. The lawyers work with families to explain how an injury has impacted their relationships.

Disfigurement and Scarring

Some injuries leave lasting physical marks, such as scars, burns, or amputations. These can affect a person’s confidence and emotional well-being.

Courts consider:

The location of the scar or disfigurement

The emotional distress caused by the injury

The need for additional medical procedures

For example, someone with severe facial scarring may struggle with self-esteem and social anxiety. Injury lawsuit lawyers help victims seek compensation for both physical and emotional suffering.

Damage to Reputation

Reputation damage happens when an injury or accident causes people to view someone differently. This can lead to job loss, social isolation, or harm to personal relationships.

For example, if a person is wrongly blamed for an accident, it may affect their career or friendships. Courts look at:

Whether the injury led to a negative public image

How it affected work or social life

Evidence of lost opportunities

Injury trial attorneys use witness statements and employment records to support these claims.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is common after traumatic events. It can cause:

Flashbacks or nightmares

Fear of situations related to the accident

Panic attacks

For example, a person injured in a violent crash may be too afraid to drive again. PTSD can make it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy life.

To prove PTSD, lawyers use:

Mental health evaluations

Statements from therapists

Medical records showing ongoing treatment

This helps courts understand the long-term impact of PTSD.

How Courts Evaluate Noneconomic Injuries?

Unlike financial losses, noneconomic damages do not have an exact dollar amount. Courts consider:

The severity of the injury

How it affects daily life

Personal statements from the victim and their loved ones

Because these cases are complex, having an experienced legal team is important. Injury trial attorneys present strong evidence to ensure fair compensation.

Compensation for Noneconomic Injuries

The amount of compensation depends on:

The seriousness of the injury

How long the pain and suffering will last

State-specific laws and limits on damages

Some states place caps on noneconomic damages, while others allow full compensation. A skilled legal team helps victims get the amount they deserve.

Ending Note

Noneconomic injuries can have lasting effects, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. While financial losses are easier to quantify, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life deserve proper legal attention. Seeking fair compensation helps victims regain stability and peace of mind.

At The Bendell Law Firm, PLLC, Attorney Jim Bendell fights for those who have suffered due to negligence. Serving clients in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County, the Northern Panhandle, and Spokane, the firm provides personalized attention and dedicated representation. Available 24/7, Attorney Bendell ensures clear communication and strong advocacy.

With a contingency fee structure, you pay nothing unless you win. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to discuss your case.