When you are involved in an accident because of another person’s negligence, the injuries you sustained may become less visible over time, though you’ll find that the pain and suffering you experience remain. Unfortunately, chronic pain after injuries is not as uncommon as you may believe, so understanding whether you can recover compensation for your suffering is critical. The following blog explores these matters in further detail, as well as the importance of working with an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and guide you through these difficult matters.
What Causes Chronic Pain?
Unfortunately, there are several ways in which someone may endure chronic pain following an injury. In some instances, the injury is so severe that it can cause nerve damage. This can lead to a number of conditions, like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or central sensitization, which can cause extreme pain and increased sensitivity, respectively.
In other cases, someone may sustain an injury that does not heal correctly. As such, they may be left to endure continual pain and discomfort as a result of the accident. For example, injuries to the joints can leave you with pain and sensitivity for years following your injury.
Common injuries that can result in chronic pain include broken bones, slipped or herniated disks, torn ligaments, repetitive stress injuries, and neck injuries can all lead to considerable pain for years, if not the rest of your life.
It’s also important to understand that chronic pain does not mean you automatically experience pain every second of every day. While this could be true for some, you may find that the pain you feel comes and goes, and can worsen or lessen depending on other factors, like your activity level or if you are ill.
How Can I Prove My Injuries?
Proving how much pain you experience on a daily basis following an injury can be complicated. Additionally, pain and suffering as a result of an injury are considered non-economic damages, as there is no official monetary value attached to the pain you experience, as this is considered subjective. As such, it’s imperative to understand the steps you can take to help prove the severity of your injuries.
One of the most important things you can do to show the severity of the pain you endure is to seek medical attention for your injuries following the accident. This can show that the injuries were serious enough to warrant medical care while also ensuring that the injuries are documented. You should also continue to attend doctor’s appointments, as they can address the ongoing pain you feel and ensure it is noted in your records.
In conjunction with your medical history, your attorney may enlist the assistance of an expert witness to testify on your behalf regarding the pain you experience. For example, they can discuss complications of the injury you sustained as well as additional factors present in your case that can influence how much pain you experience.
As you an see, navigating the aftermath of an injury can be incredibly difficult, especially when you combine the pain you endure with the complexities of filing a civil lawsuit against the negligent party. That is why working with the team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC is in your best interest. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why our firm is committed to assisting you through this process. When you need help, our firm is here. Contact us today ot learn more.