If you were injured in an accident, you are likely concerned about the consequences of your physical damage, financial loss, and psychological injuries. One of the most impactful but often neglected repercussions of a physical injury is the victim’s loss of ability to participate in activities that once brought them happiness. This is known as loss of enjoyment of life and can be included in compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. If you were involved in an accident and have questions or concerns about your right to recover damages, reach out to an experienced Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation today.
What is Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
The loss of enjoyment of life is a term used to describe the way that an accident can affect your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies that were once a part of your life and daily routine. When you are no longer able to participate in things that historically have brought you joy and fulfillment, it can take a significant mental toll on you.
For example, suppose you are a member of a band in your spare time. Playing the guitar brings you invaluable happiness, and you practice and perform multiple times a week. If you sustained a serious injury to your hand and can no longer play the instrument you love, the loss of your ability to engage in this activity could be considered a loss of enjoyment of life.
It is important to note that loss of enjoyment is not limited to only physical hobbies or sports. It can include a newfound inability to participate in social activities, cooking, caring for your children, being able to have children, doing a job you love, and more.
Can I Recover Compensation for Loss of Enjoyment of Life After My Accident?
Because the impact of the accident has affected your ability to find joy and happiness in your life, yes, you can recover compensation for loss of enjoyment. Whether or not you can be awarded this type of damage depends on the nature of your injury, its severity, the duration of the loss, and more.
In order to recover compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you must provide evidence of your injury, its connection to the accident, that the defendant caused the accident, and the impact it has had on your daily functioning.
Loss of enjoyment of life can be calculated in a few different ways but the most important thing you can do to protect your right to compensation is acquiring the help of a skilled attorney. Your lawyer will help you gather and organize evidence, work with expert witnesses, build and present a strong case, and negotiate on your behalf.
To learn more about your legal rights and options, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today.