Damages awarded for loss of enjoyment of life are typically included in the compensation for pain and suffering instead of as a separate damage award. In personal injury law, the concept of loss of enjoyment of life refers to the lasting toll or impact that an injury or incident has on the victim’s quality of life. If you or a loved one were injured because of the negligence of another, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about recovering your rightful damages.
What Does “Loss of Enjoyment of Life” Mean?
This is a legal term used in personal injury which refers to the impact of a physical and mental injury on a person. It encompasses the inability of a person to enjoy those activities and things that brought them enjoyment before the injury. Common examples of loss of enjoyment of life include:
- Family bonding activities
- Certain recreational activities and hobbies
- Travel
- Social encounters with friends
- Career
- Volunteer opportunities
Loss of enjoyment of life is generally caused by catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe or disfiguring burns
- Injuries caused by deafness or blindness
Calculating Loss of Enjoyment of Life Component
The courts will typically consider various factors when calculating compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life in a personal injury case. These are a few common factors considered:
- Age of the injured victim
- Injured party’s appearance (especially where burn injuries or facial trauma is concerned)
- Injured party’s work history and educational background
- Type of neighborhood where the injured person lives
- Future consequences of the injury
- Severity of the injury
- Nature of the activity that cannot be performed anymore
Your attorney can bring in experts as witnesses to help the jury and judge understand the monetary impact of the loss of enjoyment of life. These experts use certain methods for placing a monetary value on human life. For example, the expert may determine the cost spent by companies on safety devices and multiply it by the percentage value of loss of enjoyment of life.
Other Damages to be Recovered in a Personal Injury Claim
Plaintiffs can also recover economic damages through a personal injury claim These can include items such as medical bills and lost wages.
Whereas some claims have caps on pain and suffering, there are rarely caps placed on economic damages. Furthermore, the jury and judge usually strive at awarding a fair and reasonable sum. Many personal injury lawsuits get settled out of court without ever going to trial.
Choose a Results-Driven Personal Injury Law Firm with a Track Record of Large Settlements and Verdicts
Personal injury attorneys at Walton Law have the necessary experience and legal knowledge to help victims maximize their compensation. If you or your loved one has been injured because of the actions of an at-fault party, we can help you obtain the justice you deserve. Schedule your free case review with our lawyers today. Call us at (866) 338-7079 or contact us online.