The Most Important Decision You Make Is Hiring The Right Attorney To Represent You

Should you seek damages for emotional duress after an accident?

On Behalf of | Jun 23, 2017 | blog

If you were hurt in a serious car accident, not only are you dealing with the physical implications of what happened to you, you could also find yourself dealing with severe emotional trauma as well. A harrowing accident can be devastating. It can leave you with damages and scars that you may not be able to see but which are just as real as any physical injury you may have.

Like other Illinois accident victims, you may not be aware that, if you suffered because of the actions of another person, you have the right to seek financial compensation for not only your injuries but your emotional duress as well. Working with an experienced attorney can help you understand what your potential claim may be worth and how you should proceed. 

Your accident-related emotional suffering 

Accident victims may be able to seek compensation for any physical injuries and financial losses, but they may also include emotional duress in damages for pain and suffering. Some accidents and the subsequent trauma can be bad enough to cause genuine emotional pain, and it can be valid grounds to seek restitution. If you believe that you have a valid emotional duress claim, you must be able to prove that:

  • The emotional trauma will last long-term.
  • The actions of the defendant are the reason for your suffering.
  • Your emotional distress is serious enough to cause physical harm.

In order to successfully claim recompense for emotional pain and suffering, you must be able to provide evidence that your accident-related suffering is significant and takes a serious toll on your life. To effectively show the extent of your suffering, your claim must attempt to address the duration and intensity of your duress as well as the bodily harm that resulted from it. It is also helpful to have documentation from your doctor regarding your psychological trauma.

The pursuit of a full recovery

Your accident may have caused you harm in multiple ways. You have the right to hold liable parties accountable for the consequences of their negligent or reckless actions, including physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional pain and suffering.

You have been through a traumatic experience, but you do not have to walk through it alone. With the help of an attorney, you may fight for the damages you deserve, seeking a full and fair recovery. You can learn more about your legal options by seeking legal support as soon as possible after an accident.

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