Some financial consequences are easier to measure than others when a person suffers injuries in an accident due to another party’s negligence. For example, if you are seeking compensation for medical expenses or lost income, there are straightforward methods of calculating how much you should claim. However, how do you measure the less tangible effects of an accident, such as loss of enjoyment of life? Work with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney who understands how loss of enjoyment of life claims work. We can help you maximize your compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable.
What Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the inability to participate in activities that once brought fulfillment and pleasure. This may include hobbies, sports, social events, travel, intimate relationships, etc. It can substantially reduce one’s quality of life when a disabling injury makes it difficult or impossible to engage in these activities at the same level as before the accident.
What Types of Injuries Are Most Likely to Lead to Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
Some of the most common injuries that can limit one’s ability to enjoy life include:
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries affecting cognition, emotion, and behavior
- Severe burns leading to physical limitations or disfigurement
- Amputations impacting mobility and independence
- Vision or hearing loss interfering with communication and activities
Injuries that cause chronic pain and mental health issues like depression or anxiety can also reduce life enjoyment. The more severe and permanent the injury, the more significant the impact.
How Do You Prove Loss of Enjoyment of Life in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, proving loss of enjoyment of life relies on showing how the injury from the accident has specifically curtailed activities and pleasures that were previously a regular part of your life. This can be demonstrated through testimony from friends, family, coworkers, medical experts, and vocational analysts. Pictures, videos, medical reports, and records of participation in hobbies can also serve as evidence.
How Does South Carolina Calculate Loss of Enjoyment of Life Damages?
South Carolina uses flexible guidelines rather than a rigid formula to calculate damages for loss of enjoyment of life. Factors considered include:
- The individual’s age
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Life expectancy
- Severity of disability from the accident
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- The scope of impact on usual life activities
Remember that these claims do not follow a one-size-fits-all blueprint. Since each person’s unique situation, the compensation addresses how someone else’s negligence has reduced your pleasure and enjoyment.
Overcoming Barriers to Receiving Fair Compensation
A loss of enjoyment of life damages claim aims to remedy reduced life quality after an accident. Sadly, injured people face barriers in receiving just compensation. Insurance companies may try to deny valid claims or downplay the full extent of the individual’s losses. A lack of understanding about loss of enjoyment of life compensation claims can also lead to underpayments if injured people do not fight for their rights.
An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer knows how to navigate these barriers to maximize compensation for enjoyment of life damages. From gathering convincing evidence to negotiating aggressively with insurance adjusters, the right legal team has the resources and leverage to demand full financial accountability for the losses the accident caused in your life. They understand what damages are considered reasonable given one’s pre-accident lifestyle and can combat attempts to call genuine enjoyment losses into question.
Contact an Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer
While the financial consequences of an accident can be devastating, the loss of the capacity to enjoy your life is one of the most tragic outcomes people face after suffering injuries. The experience can be so difficult to describe that many people do not know how to begin seeking a remedy. While money might not be able to fix the root of the problem, receiving a financial award for your loss can help you move forward and begin anew. It can allow you to hold the at-fault party accountable for their wrongdoing.
The experienced South Carolina personal injury team at Murphy Crantford Meehan understands the emotional challenges injured individuals face after an accident. We are committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve, and our track record demonstrates that we are up to the task. Call us at (843) 396-3496 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you.
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