Aggravated damages are monetary compensation awarded in civil law to compensate for harm or loss suffered due to another party’s actions. A plaintiff is awarded aggravated damages if the defendant’s actions have caused the plaintiff additional emotional distress, humiliation, or injury to their dignity. Standard compensatory damages seek to restore the plaintiff to their prior condition. Aggravated damages address the intangible harm caused by the defendant’s behavior, such as psychological distress or public shame. A comprehensive guide explores the role and application of aggravated damages in legal cases, highlighting their importance in ensuring fair compensation for the emotional toll inflicted by malicious or oppressive actions.
What are Aggravated Damages in Law?
Aggravated Damages in Law are a form of compensation awarded to a plaintiff when the defendant’s conduct results in emotional harm, insult, or humiliation that goes beyond the initial harm caused by the defendant’s actions. The damages aim to address the intangible effects that are not covered by standard compensatory damages, which account solely for actual financial losses or physical injuries. Aggravated damages are recognized when the defendant’s actions are seen as malicious, high-handed, or oppressive, intensifying the harm experienced by the victim.
The damages are distinct from basic compensatory damages, which serve to restore a plaintiff to the position they were in before the injury. Aggravated damages in law acknowledge the emotional distress caused by the defendant’s conduct. Compensation awards reflect the gravity of the injury in cases where the behavior of the defendant has victimized the plaintiff, inflicting more than just physical harm. For example, a defendant who engages in public humiliation or acts with intentional cruelty faces the possibility of aggravated damages in a civil court.
How are Aggravated Damages Calculated in Civil Lawsuits?
Aggravated damages are calculated in civil lawsuits by assessing the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the extent of harm caused to the plaintiff’s emotional well-being and dignity. The court considers whether the defendant acted maliciously, recklessly, or with gross disregard for the plaintiff’s feelings. It includes evaluating the level of distress, humiliation, or embarrassment the plaintiff endured due to the defendant’s actions. For example, courts assess the severity of a victim’s emotional distress to determine appropriate damages when a defendant intentionally causes harm by spreading false rumors in tort cases.
Aggravated damages are awarded in employment tribunal cases when an employer’s actions, such as wrongful dismissal or discriminatory treatment, cause substantial emotional harm to an employee. A court is able to increase damages in cases of cruel or demeaning behavior by the employer to reflect the impact on the plaintiff’s dignity. For example, a case where an employee is wrongfully dismissed after being subjected to repeated humiliation or harassment leads to a higher award of aggravated damages, reflecting the violation of rights and the emotional distress experienced by the employee.
What is the Purpose of Aggravated Damages?
The purpose of aggravated damages is to provide additional compensation for the intangible harm caused by the defendant’s malicious or oppressive behavior. The damages address emotional suffering, humiliation, or distress that goes beyond the physical or financial harm covered by compensatory damages. For example, aggravated damages apply when a defendant’s conduct includes harassment, deliberate cruelty, or vindictiveness, to acknowledge and compensate the plaintiff for the emotional suffering the actions cause. A plaintiff’s dignity and well-being are unquantifiable effects on the defendant, not to punish them.
When are Aggravated Damages Awarded in a Personal Injury or Employment Case?
Aggravated damages are awarded in a Personal Injury or Employment Case when the defendant’s actions cause additional emotional harm, humiliation, or distress beyond the initial injury or loss. The damages are awarded in cases involving deliberate misconduct (discrimination, defamation, or wrongful dismissal), where the defendant’s behavior worsens the plaintiff’s suffering. For instance, aggravated damages are awarded to compensate for the emotional toll when an employee is wrongfully terminated and subjected to public humiliation or ongoing harassment in an employment case. A Houston Personal Injury Attorney is instrumental in handling these cases, as they specialize in demonstrating the emotional and psychological impact of the defendant’s actions on the plaintiff.
An aggravated damages award is made in personal injury cases when the defendant’s actions are cruel, malicious, or vindictive, increasing the plaintiff’s injuries. For example, intentional harm or excessive aggression results in aggravated damages. The court considers factors (severity of the plaintiff’s distress and the defendant’s conduct) in determining the amount of aggravated damages to award.
What is the Role of a Lawyer in Securing Aggravated Damages?
The role of a lawyer in securing Aggravated Damages is to gather strong evidence that demonstrates the defendant’s oppressive, malicious, or vindictive conduct. The lawyer must document instances of humiliation, discrimination, or emotional distress to show how the claimant suffered additional harm beyond the original injury. Witness testimony, medical reports, and employment tribunal records are presented to support the claim.
The lawyer highlights the connection between the defendant’s behavior and the plaintiff’s emotional suffering, arguing for an appropriate amount of compensation. Legal arguments are structured to demonstrate that the conduct went beyond ordinary negligence or wrongdoing. Personal injury lawyers are best suited to handle cases in terms of legal standards and proving the emotional impact on the claimant.
What Evidence Can Support a Claim for Aggravated Damages?
The evidence that can support a claim for Aggravated Damages is listed below.
- Victim Testimony: The victim’s own account is a critical piece of evidence. A detailed personal narrative shows the extent of emotional distress and humiliation caused by the defendant’s conduct. The testimony helps the court understand the psychological impact of the defendant’s actions.
- Witness Testimony: Testimonies from parties who witnessed the defendant’s behavior are essential. The witnesses provide insight into how the defendant’s actions directly affected the victim in terms of emotional harm or public humiliation. The witness’s accounts strengthen the claim by offering an external perspective on the situation.
- Psychological or Psychiatric Reports: Medical documentation from mental health professionals is necessary in establishing the emotional or psychological damage caused by the defendant’s actions. The reports outline diagnoses such as anxiety or depression, linking the victim’s condition to the defendant’s conduct. The medical reports provide expert evidence of the harm suffered.
- Employment Tribunal Records: Records from employment tribunals are used when the aggravated damages stem from workplace discrimination or harassment. The documents contain formal complaints, hearings, or decisions that highlight the defendant’s treatment of the victim. Records show that the victim’s emotional suffering resulted from discriminatory or unlawful actions at work.
- Evidence of Discriminatory or Humiliating Treatment: Records or documentation proving that the defendant’s actions were discriminatory or humiliating further support the claim. Emails, memos, or other communications that show derogatory remarks or treatment are acceptable forms of evidence. The evidence establishes that the victim was subjected to severe emotional distress due to the defendant’s intentional or reckless behavior.
What are Examples of Aggravated Damages?
The examples of Aggravated Damages are listed below.
- Emotional Distress from Malicious Conduct After a Car Accident: Aggravated damages arise when a defendant intentionally causes emotional harm beyond the accident.
- Humiliation and Shame Caused by Defendant’s Reckless Actions: Aggravated damages are awarded when the defendant’s reckless behavior leads to public humiliation or shame for the victim.
- Intentional Infliction of Mental Suffering After a Car Accident: The damages occur when the defendant deliberately causes emotional or psychological harm after the accident.
- Harassment or Threats Following the Accident: Aggravated damages apply when the defendant continues to harass or threaten the victim after the accident.
- Defendant’s Malicious or Vindictive Behavior: The damages result from actions that are intentionally malicious or vindictive, adding harm beyond the initial injury.
- Disregard for Plaintiff’s Safety Beyond Negligence: Aggravated damages are awarded when the defendant’s actions show gross negligence or intentional disregard for the plaintiff’s safety.
- Deliberate Concealment or Cover-Up of Fault After a Car Accident: The damages are sought when the defendant intentionally hides their fault or manipulates evidence after the accident.
- Breach of Trust or Abuse of Power by the Defendant: Aggravated damages result from the defendant exploiting their power or breaching trust to harm the victim.
- Public Embarrassment Caused by Defendant’s Actions: The damages are awarded when the defendant causes public embarrassment or exposes private details of the victim.
- Cruel or Insulting Treatment During or After the Incident: Aggravated damages arise from inhuman or degrading treatment by the defendant during or after the incident.
- Exploitation of Victim’s Vulnerability After the Accident: The damages occur when the defendant takes advantage of the victim’s vulnerability after the accident.
- Disrespectful or Degrading Conduct by the Defendant: Aggravated damages result from the defendant’s disrespectful or degrading behavior towards the victim.
- Pattern of Oppressive or High-Handed Behavior: The damages are awarded when the defendant’s repeated oppressive behavior worsens the victim’s emotional distress.
- Aggravated Mental Anguish Due to Defendant’s Conduct: Aggravated damages are given when the defendant’s actions cause severe mental anguish or emotional suffering.
1. Emotional Distress from Malicious Conduct After a Car Accident
Emotional distress from malicious conduct after a car accident occurs when the defendant deliberately engages in behavior that exacerbates the victim’s psychological trauma. For example, a defendant taunts or threatens a victim while they are recovering from injuries, intensifying their emotional suffering. Personal injury attorneys are best suited to handle cases of emotional distress from malicious conduct after a car accident, as they focus on securing compensation for physical and emotional harm caused by accidents.
2. Humiliation and Shame Caused by Defendant’s Reckless Action
Humiliation and shame caused by the defendant’s action arise when the defendant’s behavior after an accident is openly degrading. A case where the defendant mocks the victim’s injuries in front of others or spreads false rumors about the incident causes deep emotional harm. Personal injury lawyers or defamation attorneys are the best fit for claims of humiliation and shame caused by the defendant’s reckless action. The professionals understand how to prove emotional damage, including humiliation and loss of reputation, that arises from reckless or defamatory actions.
3. Intentional Infliction of Mental Suffering After a Car Accident
Intentional infliction of mental suffering after a car accident is seen when the defendant deliberately acts in a way that exacerbates the victim’s emotional turmoil following a car accident. For instance, a defendant makes threatening gestures or uses abusive language toward the victim during or after the crash. Personal injury attorneys who specialize in emotional and psychological trauma are the most suitable to handle claims of intentional infliction of mental suffering after a car accident, as they connect the defendant’s actions to the psychological suffering the victim endured.
4. Harassment or Threats Following the Accident
Harassment or threats following an accident escalate the emotional damage caused to the victim. A typical example is a defendant making repeated phone calls or sending threatening messages to the victim after an accident, making them feel unsafe. Personal injury lawyers with experience in harassment cases are the ideal choice to help pursue aggravated damages related to harassment or threats following an accident. The defendant’s lawyer works to prove that the defendant’s actions were harmful and intended to intimidate and cause distress.
5. Defendant’s Malicious or Vindictive Behavior
Malicious or vindictive behavior involves actions meant to punish the victim beyond the original injury. For example, a defendant intentionally delays medical assistance or refuses to provide necessary information after an accident out of spite. Personal injury lawyers with experience in cases involving the defendant’s malicious or vindictive behavior are best suited for the claims. The lawyers gather evidence of the defendant’s intentions and the emotional toll on the victim.
6. Disregard for Plaintiff’s Safety Beyond Negligence
Disregard for the plaintiff’s safety beyond negligence occurs when the defendant’s actions go beyond simple negligence, showing intent or gross misconduct. For example, a driver who speeds through a red light and causes a serious crash while knowing the danger involved exhibits a complete lack of concern for others’ safety. Personal injury attorneys specializing in cases of gross negligence are the best fit to handle claims related to disregard for the plaintiff’s safety beyond negligence. The lawyers highlight the defendant’s blatant disregard for safety and its impact on the victim’s well-being.
7. Deliberate Concealment or Cover-Up of Fault After a Car Accident
Deliberate concealment or cover-up of fault after a car accident happens when a defendant knowingly hides their involvement or manipulates evidence after an accident. An example is when a driver tampers with accident scene evidence or fabricates an alibi to avoid liability. Personal injury lawyers experienced in handling fraud or evidence tampering cases are best suited to pursue aggravated damages in deliberate concealment or cover-up of fault after a car accident. The attorneys investigate and gather the necessary proof to show that the defendant’s actions intentionally worsened the victim’s situation.
8. Breach of Trust or Abuse of Power by the Defendant
A breach of trust or abuse of power by the defendant occurs when the defendant uses their authority or position to exploit the victim. For instance, an employer who pressures an employee to accept a settlement after a car accident, disregarding their well-being, causes additional emotional harm. Employment lawyers are well-suited to handle cases of breach of trust or abuse of power by a defendant. The attorneys specialize in workplace rights and abuses of authority. Lawyers who specialize in employment law help demonstrate how the defendant’s behavior victimized the plaintiff after the accident.
9. Public Embarrassment Caused by Defendant’s Actions
Public embarrassment caused by defendant’s actions occurs when the defendant exposes the victim’s private details to the public or engages in humiliating behavior. An example is when a defendant posts graphic details of the accident or the victim’s injuries online. Personal injury lawyers with experience in public defamation or privacy violations are the best professionals to handle claims related to public embarrassment caused by the defendant’s actions. The attorneys help prove how the public exposure of private information caused lasting emotional harm to the victim.
10. Cruel or Insulting Treatment During or After the Incident
Cruel or insulting treatment during or after an accident includes offensive remarks or deliberate mistreatment. For example, a defendant might insult a victim’s appearance or mock their injuries while they are still at the accident scene. Personal injury attorneys who specialize in emotional distress claims are well-equipped to address the cruel or insulting treatment during or after an accident, proving that the defendant’s actions caused added harm beyond the initial physical injury.
11. Exploitation of Victim’s Vulnerability After the Accident
Exploitation of the victim’s vulnerability after the accident occurs when the defendant takes advantage of the victim’s weakened state after an accident. For instance, an insurance adjuster who pressures the victim into a low settlement while the injured victims are recovering from their injuries is guilty of exploitation. Personal injury lawyers who focus on insurance claims are the ideal choice for handling the cases of exploitation of the victim’s vulnerability after the accident. The attorneys must be able to show that the victim was coerced into agreeing to an unfair settlement due to their vulnerable condition.
12. Disrespectful or Degrading Conduct by the Defendant
Disrespectful or degrading conduct by the defendant is an action that diminishes the victim’s dignity or self-worth. An example is when a defendant belittles a victim’s injury in front of friends or family members. Personal injury attorneys with experience in handling cases involving emotional damage are well-prepared to take on claims involving disrespectful or degrading conduct by the defendant. The attorneys provide evidence that the defendant’s conduct resulted in long-term emotional harm to the victim.
13. Pattern of Oppressive or High-Handed Behavior
A pattern of oppressive or high-handed behavior involves a series of actions by the defendant that show a consistent disregard for the victim’s well-being. An example is a driver who repeatedly causes accidents and exhibits arrogant or dismissive behavior towards victims. Personal injury lawyers who handle cases involving habitual negligence or abusive behavior are best suited to address claims involving a pattern of oppressive or high-handed behavior. The lawyers help demonstrate that the defendant’s history of actions created a continuous emotional impact on the victim.
14. Aggravated Mental Anguish Due to Defendant’s Conduct
Aggravated mental anguish due to defendant’s conduct occurs when the defendant intentionally or recklessly worsens the victim’s mental state. A defendant who makes repeated false statements about the victim or threatens additional harm causes prolonged distress. Personal injury lawyers who are skilled in psychological injury claims are well-positioned to handle cases of aggravated mental anguish due to the defendant’s conduct. Medical reports show that the defendant’s actions caused significant mental suffering to the victim.
What is the difference between Aggravated Damages and Punitive Damages?
The difference between aggravated damages and Punitive Damages is that aggravated damages are compensatory in nature and are awarded to address the plaintiff’s emotional distress, suffering, or humiliation caused by the defendant’s actions. The damages focus on compensating the victim for the intangible harm (mental anguish or emotional injury, beyond the actual physical or financial losses) they have experienced. Personal injury lawyers with experience in emotional distress claims are best suited to argue for aggravated damages in civil litigation.
Punitive damages are not aimed at compensating the victim, but at punishing the defendant for obvious reckless or malicious behavior. The penalties serve as a warning to prevent future misconduct on the part of the defendant and others. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent, reflecting a disregard for the law or the well-being of others. Civil litigation lawyers specializing in cases involving willful misconduct or gross negligence are best positioned to advocate for punitive damages.
What are Some Examples of Punitive or Exemplary Damages?
Some examples of Punitive or Exemplary damages are listed below.
- Intentional Harm: Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were intentionally harmful. For instance, a person who deliberately causes an accident to hurt someone is liable for exemplary damages in tort. The damages are meant to punish the defendant for their intentional wrongdoing.
- Gross Negligence: Exemplary damages are claimed in cases where the defendant’s actions were recklessly indifferent to the safety of others. For example, a company that knowingly releases a harmful product without proper testing tends to face punitive damages. The damages are meant to prevent future reckless behavior.
- Fraudulent Conduct: Exemplary damages are awarded when the defendant engages in fraudulent activities that cause harm. Punitive damages are awarded to someone who knowingly deceives another for financial gain, as when they sell a fraudulent investment. The damages are punishment for dishonesty and to discourage future fraud.
- Defamation with Malice: Punitive damages are applicable in cases where defamation is done with malicious intent. False information spread with the intent to harm someone’s reputation results in exemplary damages. The damages are intended to punish malicious conduct and discourage similar actions.
- Violation of Consumer Protection Laws: Exemplary damages are awarded in cases where a company’s violation of consumer protection laws causes significant harm to the consumer. A company that knowingly sells defective goods and harms its customers is required to pay punitive damages. The damages are meant to punish the business for its disregard of consumer safety.
- Battery or Assault: Punitive damages are awarded in cases of battery or assault where the defendant’s actions were excessively violent. For example, the person who intentionally strikes another in a way that causes harm is liable for exemplary damages in tort. The damages are intended to penalize the defendant for their violent behavior.
Are Aggravated Damages Considered Compensatory Damages?
Yes, aggravated damages are considered compensatory damages because damages are awarded to compensate for emotional harm, distress, or humiliation caused by the defendant’s actions. The purpose of aggravated damages is to address the intangible impact suffered by the plaintiff, as opposed to punitive damages, which aim to punish the defendant for malicious behavior on the part of the plaintiff. The compensatory damages seek to compensate for the suffering of an emotional nature, as opposed to the basic harm (physical injury or financial loss).
What are the Types of Damages in Civil Cases?
The types of damages in Civil Cases are listed below.
- Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages reimburse the plaintiff for actual losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, caused by the defendant’s actions.
- Special Damages: Special damages cover specific, quantifiable losses (medical costs and property damage) incurred due to the defendant’s conduct.
- Nominal Damages: Nominal damages are symbolic awards given when a legal right is violated without substantial harm.
- Contract Damages: Contract damages compensate for losses caused by the breach of a contractual agreement.
- Exemplary or Punitive Damages: Exemplary or punitive damages punish the defendant for malicious or extreme misconduct and deter future wrongdoing.
- Contemptuous Damages: Contemptuous damages are small, symbolic awards given when the court disapproves of the plaintiff’s claim but acknowledges a legal violation.
- Moral Damages: Moral damages compensate for emotional suffering and distress caused by the defendant’s actions in defamation or personal injury cases.
- Consequential Damages: Consequential damages cover indirect losses that result from the defendant’s actions, such as lost profits or business opportunities.
- Liquidated Damages: Liquidated damages are pre-agreed amounts specified in a contract, payable in the event of a breach.
- Damages for Emotional Distress: Damages for emotional distress compensate for the mental anguish caused by the defendant’s actions, such as trauma or anxiety.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Wrongful death damages are awarded to the survivors of a deceased person, compensating for the loss of support and emotional suffering.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical pain and emotional distress caused by an injury.
1. Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages compensate the plaintiff for actual losses incurred due to the defendant’s actions. The damages aim to make the injured party whole again, covering tangible and intangible losses. Common examples of compensatory damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Personal injury lawyers are best equipped to handle the claims, as they specialize in recovering compensation for victims who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.
- Covers direct losses (medical bills and lost wages)
- Includes economic and non-economic losses
- The most common type of damages awarded
- Best handled by personal injury lawyers
2. Special Damages
Special damages focus on measurable losses that the plaintiff has incurred as a result of the defendant’s actions. Medical treatment costs, property damage repairs, and lost wages are included in the costs of injury. The goal of special damages is to provide a precise calculation of the actual financial harm the plaintiff has suffered. Personal injury or tort lawyers are best suited to handle special damage claims, which require calculating and proving direct financial losses.
- Measurable losses like medical costs and property damage
- Include lost wages and specific expenses
- Best handled by personal injury or tort lawyers
3. Nominal Damages
Nominal damages are awarded when a plaintiff’s legal rights are violated, but there is no substantial loss or damage. The damages are symbolic, acknowledging that the plaintiff’s rights were compromised, even though no tangible harm occurred. Civil rights lawyers are the most suitable for handling a nominal damages case, which focuses on protecting constitutional rights or upholding legal principles.
- Non-monetary damages recognizing a legal violation
- Awarded when no significant harm is proven
- Best handled by civil rights lawyers
4. Contract Damages
Contract damages arise when a party fails to fulfill the terms of a contract, resulting in a financial loss for the other party. The damages are intended to compensate the injured party for the breach and restore the position the party was meant to occupy if the contract had been properly executed. Business or contract lawyers are the ideal attorneys for handling contract damages, due to their specialization in contract law and dispute resolution.
- Compensation for breach of contract
- Aims to restore the injured party to their original position
- Best handled by business or contract lawyers
5. Exemplary or Punitive Damages
Exemplary or punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions are deemed particularly harmful, reckless, or malicious. The damages go beyond compensating the plaintiff and are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Personal injury lawyers or attorneys handling cases of intentional wrongdoing are best suited to seek exemplary or punitive damages.
- Awarded to punish and deter wrongful behavior
- Used in cases of extreme negligence or malicious conduct
- Best handled by personal injury lawyers or attorneys focused on intentional torts
6. Contemptuous Damages
Contemptuous damages are awarded when the court believes the plaintiff’s claim is unjust or petty, but some legal remedy is required. The damages are very low, reflecting the court’s disapproval of the case’s merit. Lawyers specializing in civil law and legal defense are most suitable for cases involving contemptuous damages, arguing the merits or invalidity of the claim.
- Awarded when the court views the claim as petty
- Reflects disapproval of the plaintiff’s case
- Best handled by civil law lawyers
7. Moral Damages
Moral damages are awarded to compensate the plaintiff for emotional pain, suffering, and distress caused by the defendant’s actions. The damages are relevant in cases of defamation, false imprisonment, or other situations where emotional harm is a significant consequence. Defamation or personal injury lawyers are best equipped to handle moral damages claims, which focus on reputational harm.
- Compensation for emotional suffering and distress
- Relevant in cases of defamation or personal injury
- Best handled by defamation or personal injury lawyers
8. Consequential Damages
Consequential damages are the indirect losses that a plaintiff suffers as a result of the defendant’s actions, which are foreseeable consequences of the initial harm. For example, losses caused by a breach of contract are considered consequential damages. Business or commercial lawyers are the best choice for handling consequential damages cases, dealing with financial loss and the ripple effects of breaches or other unlawful actions.
- Indirect losses that result from the defendant’s actions
- Includes future profits or other foreseeable consequences
- Best handled by business or commercial lawyers
9. Liquidated Damages
Liquidated damages are pre-determined amounts agreed upon by the parties involved in a contract to be paid if a breach occurs. The damages are meant to simplify the resolution of contract disputes and ensure both parties are aware of the consequences in advance. Contract lawyers are best suited to handle cases involving liquidated damages, specializing in negotiating and enforcing contracts.
- Pre-determined amounts agreed upon in a contract
- Simplifies the resolution of contract breaches
- Best handled by contract lawyers
10. Damages for Emotional Distress
Damages for emotional distress are awarded to compensate the plaintiff for the psychological impact caused by the defendant’s actions. Examples include cases of harassment, trauma, or severe anxiety resulting from the defendant’s conduct. Personal injury or tort lawyers are best positioned to handle cases of damages for emotional distress, demonstrating the mental harm caused by the defendant’s actions.
- Compensation for psychological impact and distress
- Awarded in cases of trauma, harassment, or severe anxiety
- Best handled by personal injury or tort lawyers
11. Wrongful Death Damages
Wrongful death damages are awarded to the family or dependents of a deceased person who has died due to the defendant’s negligence or wrongful act. The damages are meant to compensate the survivors for the loss of financial support and emotional grief. The cases are best handled by a wrongful death attorney who specializes in representing families affected by fatal accidents or wrongful conduct.
- Compensation for loss of life due to wrongful acts
- Covers economic and emotional losses for survivors
- Best handled by wrongful death lawyers
12. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate the plaintiff for the physical pain and emotional distress endured due to an injury. Physical harm is defined as temporary and permanent, including mental anguish. Personal injury lawyers are best equipped to handle pain and suffering claims, as they are skilled in documenting and proving the emotional and physical pain a plaintiff has experienced.
- Compensation for physical and emotional pain
- Includes temporary and permanent injuries
- Best handled by personal injury lawyers