How To Document Pain and Suffering In A Baltimore Personal Injury Claim
When injuries occur due to someone’s negligence, victims are often entitled to more than just reimbursement for medical bills. In Maryland, the law also allows compensation for your pain and suffering, which represents the physical and emotional impact your injuries have on your life. However, these damages are hard to prove. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers explain more about pain and suffering and how to document them in a claim.
Why Pain and Suffering Matter in Baltimore Personal Injury Claims
The Maryland Department of Health reports that thousands of Baltimore residents visit local hospitals each year due to accidental injuries. Car crashes, slips and falls, dog bites, and recreational accidents are common causes, and reckless behavior on the part of others is often to blame.
Under the Maryland Statutes, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, which includes pain and suffering. This refers to:
- Physical pain, from lingering discomfort to permanent disability;
- Mental anguish, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD;
- Loss of enjoyment due to not being able to work, exercise, or care for your family;
- Disfigurement or scarring;
- Sleep disruption, nightmares, or chronic fatigue.
Unfortunately, there’s no fixed formula to calculate these damages, and insurance companies often challenge the value or even the existence of your suffering. That’s why thorough documentation is necessary.
How to Document Pain and Suffering In A Maryland Personal Injury Claim
To support payment for pain and suffering in a Maryland personal injury claim, you’ll need evidence that clearly shows how your injury affects your life. While every scenario is different, there are several ways to build a strong foundation. Useful documentation includes:
- Daily pain journal: Record how you feel physically and emotionally each day, including symptoms, setbacks, and activities you can no longer do.
- Medical records and progress notes: These help demonstrate how your condition has evolved and the extent of your suffering.
- Therapist or mental health provider notes: Emotional trauma is just as compensable as physical pain.
- Photos or videos: Visual evidence of your injuries, surgeries, or mobility issues can be very compelling.
- Statements from family and friends: Observations from those close to you can illustrate the changes they’ve seen in your personality, mood, or routine.
- Employment and activity logs: Show missed work, reduced productivity, or inability to participate in hobbies or caregiving duties.
This kind of personal evidence can help your Baltimore personal injury lawyers present a full and honest picture of your suffering to the insurance company or to a jury, if necessary.
To Get The Compensation You Are Entitled to For Pain and Suffering, Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer
If you get injured in a Baltimore accident, don’t underestimate the value of your pain and suffering. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we’ll work closely with you to document emotional and physical impacts and fight to get the compensation you deserve. To speak with our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers, call or contact our office online today and request a consultation.
Sources:
health.maryland.gov/phpa/oehfp/Injury/Documents/EIP-RESOURCE/MarylandResourceGuide2016LowRes.pdf
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-108&enactments=False&archived=False
