If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or another type of incident caused by someone else, you might be dealing with chronic pain.
This type of pain can linger for months or years after an accident. It can affect sleep, work, relationships, and everyday activities. Unlike other damages, these are invisible. So, can chronic pain be compensated after an accident?
Here is what you need to know about how chronic pain is treated in personal injury claims and what to do if you’re suffering.
Chronic Pain After an Accident
Chronic pain differs from typical aches and bruises. Many times, this pain is the result of injuries to muscles, nerves, joints, or soft tissues that never fully heal. Some types of chronic pain after accidents include:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Nerve pain or tingling sensations
- Shoulder, knee, or hip pain
- Fibromyalgia or regional pain syndrome in severe cases
Even if medical imaging doesn’t show a definitive injury, chronic pain can be documented through medical evaluations, therapy records, and ongoing treatment notes.
Is Chronic Pain Compensated?
Insurance companies like to focus on visible injuries, like broken bones, stitches, or surgery. However, courts understand that your pain is a legitimate harm. If you have chronic pain, that can impact your:
- Ability to work or earn income
- Daily activities and hobbies
- Sleep and overall quality of life
- Emotional health, including anxiety or depression
All of these are considered damages in a personal injury case. And when you have damages, they can be included when calculating compensation.
How Do You Prove Chronic Pain?
When you have a broken bone, it can be seen on an X-ray. However, chronic pain isn’t something you can see on a scan. Unfortunately, that makes documenting a little difficult. You will need solid evidence, such as:
- Medical records showing ongoing treatment
- Notes from physical therapists or pain specialists
- Prescriptions for pain medication
- Statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how the pain affects your daily life
- Pain journals or logs detailing intensity, frequency, and triggers
All of your evidence needs to show that the pain is real, persistent, and connected to the accident.
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Chronic Pain?
If chronic pain is linked to an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Unfortunately, insurance companies may resist paying for chronic pain claims, especially when they rely on imaging results. For this reason, you need solid documentation and legal help for your claim.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Make the Difference
Chronic pain claims can get complicated. Insurance companies may try to minimize your suffering. Sometimes, they may suggest that your pain is not serious enough to deserve compensation. That’s where you need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. They can help:
- Collect medical records and treatment documentation
- Work with doctors and specialists to show the ongoing impact of your injuries
- Explain to insurers or the court how chronic pain affects your daily life
- Advocate for a settlement that reflects both current and future challenges caused by your pain
With an experienced professional on your side, that helps make sure your pain is taken seriously. In turn, you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Chronic Pain Deserves Compensation
Can chronic pain be compensated after an accident? Chronic pain is real, and it can devastate your life. In personal injury cases, compensation can be obtained. However, it needs to be properly documented and linked to the accident.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain after an accident, Truslow & Truslow PA can assist with your claim. Your pain is valid, and you deserve to be recognized for it. We can help make sure you are fairly compensated. Schedule a consultation today.