Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, well known for its jazz history and barbecue culture. With a population of more than 500,000 and a location that borders Kansas, it’s a lively city where accidents are not uncommon. In such a busy environment, emotional distress and non-economic damages often become part of injury claims.
Non-economic damages focus on the emotional struggles that follow a car accident. Unlike medical bills or lost income, they deal with pain that cannot be easily calculated. These damages recognize the invisible effects of trauma.
If someone is seeking help with emotional distress claims, an award-winning car accident lawyer in Kansas City can provide valuable guidance. Many victims come to realize that emotional harm is just as serious as physical pain.
This article explains the different types of non-economic damages you may be entitled to.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages cover psychological and emotional harm caused by an accident. These are not tied to receipts or direct financial loss but focus on life changes. They capture feelings that affect daily living in ways money cannot fix.
Examples include anxiety, stress, trauma, or changes to personal happiness. They acknowledge that emotional suffering impacts overall well-being. While hard to measure, courts consider these damages important for fair compensation.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is one of the most common forms of non-economic damages. It may involve stress, sadness, fear, or even humiliation after an accident. Severe cases may also include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD can cause sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and strained relationships. Victims often struggle to return to normal life. Courts recognize this emotional harm as legitimate grounds for compensation.
Other Types of Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering combine both physical pain and emotional struggles. Accidents often leave people in long-term discomfort that affects everyday living. Courts see this ongoing suffering as deserving of fair compensation.
The stress tied to daily pain can reduce a person’s quality of life. Even routine activities may become challenging, leaving lasting emotional scars. This makes it an important part of non-economic claims.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Accidents can take away the ability to enjoy hobbies or social activities. This is referred to as loss of enjoyment of life. It highlights how trauma can limit simple joys.
For many, activities like traveling, sports, or even social gatherings become impossible. Losing these outlets can severely impact happiness and well-being.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to how injuries affect close relationships. It is often seen in marriages where companionship, intimacy, or emotional support are impacted.
This damage extends beyond the individual to their family. Courts sometimes award it when injuries place heavy stress on personal bonds.
Disfigurement and Physical Impairment
Permanent scars or physical changes are also counted as non-economic damages. These changes often affect self-esteem and confidence in daily life. The emotional pain can outlast physical recovery.
Disfigurement may bring shame, embarrassment, or long-term mental health struggles. It demonstrates how appearance-related trauma can shape a victim’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Non-economic damages are emotional harm that can’t be measured with receipts.
- They include pain and suffering, mental distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment, and disfigurement.
- Loss of consortium refers to how an accident affects relationships.
- Courts find it difficult to assign a dollar value, but these damages are real.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.