After being involved in an accident and sustaining an injury, one of the most long-lasting and unfortunate results is chronic pain. Chronic pain can seriously alter a person’s quality of life and cause emotional distress, financial issues, and long-term complications. If you are suffering from chronic pain due to another individual or entity’s actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. To learn more and secure skilled legal counsel, reach out to a New Jersey injury lawyer at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP today.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is generally defined as persistent pain that exceeds 12 weeks, or three months. This type of pain often continues even after the original injury has healed. The pain is different for everyone and could be a constant ache or come and go. Nerve damage, fibromyalgia, and CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) are common causes of chronic pain. For individuals who were involved in an accident, chronic pain could be a side effect of an injury.
Can I Be Compensated for Chronic Pain?
If you naturally develop chronic pain from fibromyalgia, for example, you will not likely be able to recover compensation, as there is no one responsible for your suffering. To pursue legal action and damages, your chronic pain must be linked to an incident where another person or party was negligent and is liable for your injury.
For example, you may be able to recover compensation if your chronic pain is a result of a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, workplace incident, or some other situation where a liable party can be held responsible.
How Can I Recover Compensation for Chronic Pain?
If you want to recover compensation for your chronic pain, it is imperative that you take certain steps to set yourself up for success. First, you must seek immediate medical attention after your accident. Documenting your injury early on will help link the accident to your symptoms and chronic pain, ensuring that the situation is taken seriously.
You should also see a specialist, as chronic pain often requires evaluation from neurologists, pain management experts, and other medical professionals. These expert opinions can be beneficial during legal proceedings to help validate your claim.
It is also important to understand the importance of your testimony and experience. Keep a journal detailing your experience recovering from your accident. Record your pain levels day to day, the emotional impact of your pain, any limitations in your work or daily activities, the way that it has affected your social life, and more. This can be supportive evidence when it comes to compensation.
It is also important to hire an experienced attorney. Navigating any legal claim without representation can be difficult. An attorney who specializes in personal injury law can help ensure that you have a valid claim and build the strongest case possible so you can recover the compensation you deserve.
For more information and legal advice, reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney today.
