Personal injury claims often bring thoughts of physical harm caused by accidents or negligence. However, emotional distress can also qualify as a form of personal injury. The law recognizes that emotional suffering can significantly impact a person’s life and well-being.
Emotional distress and physical injury
In many personal injury cases, emotional distress occurs alongside physical injuries. It will usually be classified under noneconomic damages. For instance, someone involved in a severe car accident might suffer from PTSD in addition to physical injuries. The law allows injured parties to seek compensation for both the physical and emotional impacts of such incidents.
Standalone emotional distress claims
Emotional distress can also occur without any physical injury. For example, a person who witnesses a traumatic event or endures severe harassment might experience emotional harm. Claiming emotional distress without a physical injury requires meeting specific legal standards. You must prove that the distress resulted from an intentional or reckless act, and the impact on the plaintiff’s life must be severe and measurable.
The impact of emotional distress
Emotional distress can affect every aspect of a person’s life. This includes personal relationships to job performance. Recognizing and addressing this type of harm ensures that plaintiffs receive comprehensive compensation for their suffering. Emotional distress claims aim to provide relief and support for individuals who have experienced traumatic experiences.
Understanding emotional distress personal injury claims
Emotional distress can form a critical part of a personal injury claim, whether it accompanies physical harm or stands alone. These claims can also encourage responsible behavior by holding parties accountable for their actions. This will hopefully prevent similar incidents in the future.
