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How Chronic Pain Impacts Personal Injury Settlements

January 31, 2025
Chronic Pain Impacts Personal Injury Settlements

Did you know that around 21% of adults suffer chronic pain, while 8% live with high-impact chronic pain (HICP)? These statistics show how significantly accidents can affect one’s ability to live a normal life. For those in Albuquerque pursuing compensation after an accident, chronic pain resulting from injuries can be a decisive factor in achieving a fair settlement. 

Fortunately, a lawyer for personal injury victims in Albuquerque will assess how chronic pain has altered your life and advocate for compensation that reflects these long-term effects. The Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. offers more insight into how chronic pain impacts personal injury settlements.

How Chronic Pain is Evaluated  

When it comes to assessing chronic pain in a personal injury claim, it’s not as straightforward as evaluating economic damages such as lost wages. Chronic pain is a subjective experience, so determining its impact requires careful consideration of several key factors:  

Long-Term, Ongoing Impact

Chronic pain is often a lifelong condition, especially when linked to severe injuries from an accident. Its persistence becomes a central issue in personal injury cases. Lawyers and courts evaluate whether the pain will continue to affect your quality of life years after the accident, justifying higher compensation.  

Impact on the Ability to Work

Chronic pain frequently hinders individuals from working as they did before. Whether it prevents you from holding a job entirely or forces you into a lower-paying, less demanding position, the financial consequences are significant. Your settlement may reflect lost wages and reduced earning potential as part of the damages awarded.  

Inability to Participate in Daily Activities

Chronic pain often limits individuals from engaging in activities that once defined their lives, such as hobbies, family responsibilities, or even basic daily tasks. Being unable to live independently and the loss of enjoyment of life underscores the profound impact of chronic pain, making it a crucial factor in settlement evaluations.

The Emotional Distress

Beyond the physical toll, chronic pain can lead to severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. These psychological effects amplify the suffering caused by chronic pain, which the court may consider when calculating noneconomic damages.  

How Can a Lawyer Help With Chronic Pain Claims?  

While chronic pain damages are harder to quantify, a lawyer for personal injury victims can build a winning case that demonstrates how your chronic pain has affected your life.  

Firstly, chronic pain impacts every aspect of your health and lifestyle. A lawyer will meticulously outline how your pain has altered your ability to work, enjoy life, and maintain emotional stability. This narrative helps judges and juries place an appropriate value on your suffering.  

Since chronic pain is subjective, it requires credible evidence to substantiate your claim. A lawyer may use creative approaches, such as video documentation or expert analyses, to convey the daily challenges you face. For example, a video diary showing your struggles with mobility or routine tasks can create a compelling case that supports the legitimacy of your suffering.  

Our legal team understands how to convey the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain effectively. With a stern focus on how your life has been permanently altered, an advocate will ensure that chronic pain is not overlooked or undervalued during settlement negotiations. This can lead to a higher compensation amount that truly reflects your struggles.

Call an Attorney for Personal Injury Victims Today  

Living with chronic pain after an accident is a life-altering challenge, and you deserve compensation that addresses the full extent of your suffering. Unfortunately, insurers often undervalue claims involving subjective damages like chronic pain. At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C., our attorneys are committed to ensuring that your claim includes fair compensation for daily physical and emotional challenges. We don’t shy away from taking your case to trial to secure a just outcome if necessary. Schedule your free initial consultation online or call 800-433-2408 now.