Physical injuries are common after serious accidents. However, emotional distress is more prevalent than many people understand.
Overall, it’s a bit more difficult to receive compensation for emotional injuries in a lawsuit since they are subjective to each individual and not externally visible like a broken leg.
But that doesn’t mean emotional injuries aren’t just as devastating for the victims.
Whether it’s depression, anxiety or guilt, there are a couple of ways to receive compensation for emotional distress.
Firstly, many states have an “impact rule,” which states that in order to receive compensation for emotional distress, that distress must stem from a physical injury.
It’s also often required that victims prove their emotional distress is severe enough to warrant compensation. This can be proven through documentation and testimony from a doctor.
Talk to a personal injury attorney to learn if emotional distress compensation is a possibility in your case.