By: Jacob Maslow
Springfield is a beautiful city in Missouri that has plenty of places to see and things to do. The city also has a thriving motorcycle community. But the rising number of motorcycle accidents is a concern here.
Accidents involving motorcycles can leave victims with more than just bodily damage. Beyond medical expenditures and repair expenses, victims suffer non-economic losses that profoundly impact their lives. These losses are harder to quantify and can wreak havoc in a victim’s life, sometimes, more than physical injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, a Springfield motorcycle accident lawyer may assist you in understanding your rights.
Finding closure and financial recovery starts with knowing the non-economic losses you can claim, which are discussed in this article.
Pain and Suffering
Among the most common non-economic losses in a motorcycle accident is pain and suffering. This category includes both emotional and physical suffering the accident brought about. Severe injuries, for example, could cause anxiety, depression, or even chronic pain. These emotions might interfere with daily life long after physical scars have healed. A lawyer can assist in recording these effects, thereby strengthening your case.
Loss of Enjoyment in Life
An accident can rob victims of their capacity to enjoy their favorite activities. Injuries can take away any kind of basic pleasure—from a love of motorcycling, sports, or family time. This accident causes people to lose their pleasure in things they love, which makes it an important type of non-economic damage. Evidence of hobbies or routines you used to like can support and establish your claim.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Motorcycle accidents can cause long-lasting psychological problems. Many times, victims suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Common also are anxiety and despair, particularly in cases where injuries restrict freedom or mobility. Records from mental health professionals can help you prove the extent of your trauma if you have undergone counseling or treatment.
Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
A victim’s life can be substantially changed by obvious scars or lifelong disabilities. Self-consciousness brought on by disfigurement might affect confidence and social interactions. Certain permanent disabilities could limit your capacity for independent living or employment. Compensation for these losses will help you somewhat ease your adjustment to life following the catastrophe.
Loss of Consortium
Motorcycle accidents affect families of victims as well. Loss of companionship, affection, or companionship can all damage the relationship with the victim’s spouse. The victim’s injuries can cause parents or children to lose either emotional or financial support. Known as loss of consortium, these damages are crucial when seeking compensation for family hardships.
Coping with Non-Economic Losses
Calculating non-economic losses is more difficult than calculating medical expenses or lost wages. They require evidence, including testimonies from family, friends, and professionals, and medical data. Using the multiplier method—that is, multiplying economic losses by a value between 1 and 5—many attorneys estimate these damages. This approach helps ensure that your non-economic damages are thoroughly considered.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content provided is a general overview of non-economic losses in motorcycle accident claims and is not specific to any individual’s situation. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the information in this article may not apply to your case. For personalized legal advice or assistance regarding your specific circumstances, please consult with a licensed attorney.
Published by Mark V.
