January 14, 2025 When someone is involved in a personal injury accident, the immediate concern is often the physical injuries that they’ve sustained. However, the psychological impact—particularly emotional distress—can play a significant role in both recovery and the outcome of a personal injury case. Emotional distress can worsen the long-term effects of an accident, impacting the victim’s quality of life and the compensation they may receive.
Recognizing the signs of emotional distress and addressing all aspects of a claim is important for ensuring the full extent of the injury is taken into account.
Understanding Emotional Distress in Legal Terms
In a personal injury case, emotional distress refers to the psychological suffering experienced after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice. While physical injuries are typically more visible, the emotional and mental toll of trauma can be just as debilitating.
Legally, emotional distress is considered “non-economic” damage, meaning it’s subjective and not easily quantifiable. This contrasts with economic damages like medical bills or lost wages, which have clear financial value. Emotional distress damages aim to compensate the victim for pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other long-term emotional effects caused by the accident. These can include fear, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and a sense of hopelessness or loss.
This distinction is important because it means the emotional and psychological effects of an accident can be considered in a personal injury case. However, since emotional distress is harder to measure, strong evidence and expert testimony are essential to support the claim.
Legal Requirements for Emotional Distress Claims
To successfully include emotional distress in a personal injury case, certain legal criteria must be met. It’s not enough to simply claim that the accident caused emotional distress. There must be clear evidence showing a direct connection between the incident and the emotional damage sustained. The following factors play an important role in proving emotional distress in court:
1. A Clear Link to the Incident
There must be a clear and documented link between the accident and the emotional distress. This connection is often established through medical or psychological evaluations. For example, a therapist might testify that the anxiety or depression the individual is experiencing stems directly from the trauma of the accident. The stronger the connection, the more likely the court will recognize emotional distress as part of the claim.
2. Tangible Evidence
Since emotional distress is subjective and not visible, providing solid evidence is essential. This could include medical records from mental health professionals, psychological evaluations, and testimony from expert witnesses. Personal journals or diaries documenting the victim’s emotional struggles can also serve as powerful evidence to back their claims.
3. Severity and Impact
Emotional distress must have a significant impact on the victim’s daily life in order to be considered. Courts will look at evidence that shows whether the emotional suffering has made it difficult for the individual to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy activities they once valued.
4. Duration
Temporary anxiety or sadness may not be sufficient grounds for compensation. For a claim to be substantiated, the emotional distress symptoms must persist over time. Chronic conditions like PTSD, depression, or ongoing anxiety are more likely to qualify for compensation than temporary emotional reactions.
5. Physical Manifestations
Emotional distress can sometimes lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches, which are directly linked to the emotional strain from the traumatic event. When physical symptoms are present, they can serve as additional evidence to support an emotional distress claim.
How Emotional Distress Affects Personal Injury Cases
Incorporating emotional distress claims into a personal injury case can significantly affect both the victim’s experience and the potential compensation. Emotional distress can influence the outcome of a personal injury claim in several ways:
Increased Compensation
Successfully proving emotional distress as part of a personal injury case can result in a larger compensation amount. Emotional suffering is often considered a form of pain and suffering, and jurors or judges may be more sympathetic toward plaintiffs who have experienced significant emotional distress. This can result in higher settlements, especially if the emotional distress has led to a diminished quality of life.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Taking emotional distress into account gives a more complete understanding of the victim’s situation. It acknowledges that the injury has caused both physical and psychological harm. This comprehensive evaluation can ultimately lead to a more just outcome for the victim.
Extended Legal Process
Including emotional distress in a case often requires additional time, resources, and evidence. The process may take longer as expert testimonies are gathered and additional documentation is compiled to support the claim. While this can delay a resolution, it ensures the victim’s complete experience is represented.
Strengthened Legal Position
When emotional distress is well-documented, it can significantly strengthen the plaintiff’s case. Expert testimony and detailed personal accounts can add credibility to the claim, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Strong evidence supporting emotional distress claims can also pressure the defendant or insurance companies to settle fairly, which may prevent a prolonged legal battle.
Recognizing Emotional Distress After an Accident
For those involved in a personal injury case, recognizing the signs of emotional distress is important for both recovery and pursuing compensation. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Mood swings or irritability
- Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained pain
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations related to the accident
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or worsen over time, seeking help from a mental health professional is important. Not only does it aid in recovery, but it also creates documentation that can support an emotional distress claim in court.
How an Attorney Can Help with an Emotional Distress Claim
A personal injury attorney is important for helping you secure compensation for emotional distress after an accident. Since emotional distress can be difficult to quantify, having an experienced lawyer on your side makes a significant difference:
Evaluate and Build Your Case
An attorney will review the details of your case to understand the impact of the emotional distress and how it connects to the accident. They will also help determine the types of damages you may be entitled to, such as pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects.
Gather Strong Evidence
Since emotional distress is a subjective experience, strong evidence is important. A personal injury attorney will work with mental health professionals to gather medical records, expert testimony, and personal accounts to support your claim. This could include therapy records, evaluations, or statements from family and friends about how the injury has affected your life.
Access to Professionals and Expert Witnesses
One key advantage of working with an experienced attorney is their access to professionals and expert witnesses who can help strengthen your emotional distress claim. Law firms often have established relationships with mental health experts, medical professionals, and other specialists who can provide important testimony and evidence to support your case. Their insights into the psychological impact of your injury can play a key role in demonstrating the full extent of your emotional distress.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for emotional distress claims. An experienced attorney will negotiate with them to ensure they fully understand the psychological toll of the injury and will work to secure a fair settlement.
Represent You At Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, it’s important to have an attorney with trial experience on your side. Proving emotional distress in personal injury claims can be complex, requiring a strategic approach and skillful presentation of your case in court. An experienced attorney will effectively present evidence, utilize expert testimony, and advocate for the emotional distress damages you deserve.
Contact Cellino Law
Dealing with emotional distress after an accident can be overwhelming, and pursuing compensation for it can add even more challenges. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, help gather essential evidence, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
At Cellino Law, we understand how emotional distress can impact your life, both mentally and physically. If you or a loved one is suffering from emotional distress following an accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation at 888-888-8888.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.