Loss of enjoyment of life, also referred to as “loss of quality of life,” is a concept in personal injury law that refers to the negative impact that an injury or accident has on a person’s ability to engage in and derive pleasure from activities and experiences they previously enjoyed.
If you have suffered a loss of enjoyment of life because of an injury caused by the negligence of another, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Speak to a local personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
What Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life in Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Loss of enjoyment of life includes the physical, emotional, and psychological limitations forced on a person due to their injuries. It includes the inability to participate in hobbies, sports, social activities, and other aspects of life that brought joy and fulfillment before the accident or injury happened.
In a personal injury lawsuit, it is considered a type of non-economic or general damages. Non-economic damages are those that are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms and are typically associated with the intangible losses a person experiences due to an injury.
Unlike economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life is highly subjective. It varies from person to person based on their interests, lifestyle, and the extent of their injuries. It can be challenging to assign a specific dollar value to these losses.
Loss of enjoyment of life would typically be one part of a settlement claim along with other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages.
How to Determine the Value of Loss of enjoyment of Life
When determining compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, the court or jury may consider many factors. These factors include the severity of the injury, the impact on the person’s daily life and the duration of the impairment. There will also be expert testimony from medical professionals and psychologists regarding the effects of the injuries.
Gathering Evidence
To support a claim for loss of enjoyment of life, the injured party may need to provide evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and personal statements describing the changes in their life and the activities they can no longer enjoy. A personal injury lawyer helps to gather all the evidence required to build a strong case.
Compensation for Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If the injured party prevails in their personal injury lawsuit, they may be awarded damages for loss of enjoyment of life as part of their overall compensation package. The amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the judgment of the court or jury.
Some jurisdictions may impose caps or limits on non-economic damages, including loss of enjoyment of life, in personal injury cases. These limits vary by state and may impact the maximum amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive.
It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand how loss of enjoyment of life may apply to your specific case and what potential compensation you may be entitled to as a result of your injuries. Personal injury laws and regulations can vary significantly by state, so you will need legal advice from a local injury lawyer.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
