Being injured in an accident can change your life forever. You may find it difficult or impossible to do things you used to enjoy. Maybe you can’t enjoy your reading like you used to. Or maybe the chronic pain from your injuries prevents you from hiking and biking outdoors.
This lack of enjoyment in your life can be devastating. But, can you sue for loss of enjoyment of life? Typically the answer is yes. Loss of enjoyment of life damages usually originates from a loss of physical or cognitive function caused by an accident. It can also be caused by chronic pain from an accident.
If you or a loved one were injured because of another’s negligence and are struggling to enjoy life, contact MG Law at (770) 988-5252. We know your life may never be the same again. But our seasoned and compassionate attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your injuries
What Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
Loss of enjoyment of life damages put a value on the effect your injuries will have on your work, relationships, and life in the future. It is the inability to perform activities as you did before your injuries. It can also refer to the changes in lifestyle you sustained as a result of your injuries.
What Accidents Can Lead to Loss of Enjoyment of Life Damages?
Loss of enjoyment of life can result from several different kinds of accidents, including:
- Bicycle accidents,
- Car accidents,
- Nursing home accidents,
- Crosswalk accidents,
- Drunk driving accidents,
- Mass torts,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Child injuries,
- Pharmaceutical injuries,
- Slip and fall accidents,
- Truck accidents,
- Product liability, and
- Medical malpractice.
At MG Law, our experienced attorneys focus on these and many other personal injury cases. Our goal is to be strong leaders and beacons of hope to residents in the community.
What Types of Injuries Can Impact the Ability to Enjoy Life?
Generally, the more severe an injury is, the more it will impact your life.
Paralysis
Losing the function of a limb or multiple limbs is tragic. Mobility in your back, neck, and head may be limited or lost. Any limit in movement will have noticeable effects on your ability to enjoy life. This lack of independence can lead to stress and depression, which will further diminish your quality of life.
Disfigurement
Some injuries can have terrible consequences. Examples of disfigurement that can affect your life are burns, scars, and lacerations. Psychological effects of disfigurement include stress and embarrassment. Disfigured persons may tend to stay inside and limit their outdoor activities. They also tend to limit their contact with others. Thus, disfigurement also harms social relationships.
Chronic Pain
All injuries have some level of pain. Sometimes, the pain is minor, while other times it is severe. Pain can also be chronic (constantly recurring). Living with chronic pain can impair your ability to enjoy life.
Head Injuries
Any trauma to the head can cause serious, and, sometimes, lasting impairment. Injuries resulting from a head injury include:
- Concussion,
- Brain hemorrhage (bleed),
- Fractured skull, and
- Traumatic brain injury.
Head injuries tend to be very serious and have a significant impact on your enjoyment of life. Symptoms of a head injury include the following:
- Seizures,
- Loss of balance,
- Loss of movement,
- Headaches,
- Nausea, and
- Loss of cognitive abilities.
The symptoms of these injuries can last months and years. Some symptoms may be present for life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and neck injuries are common in accidents. Many times, these injuries affect the spinal cord. Injuries to the spinal cord can impair the ability to move. Examples of spinal cord injury symptoms include the following:
- Stiffness,
- Numbness,
- Pain,
- Loss of bowel or bladder control, and
- Paralysis.
Accident victims with spinal cord injuries find it especially difficult to enjoy the activities they once did.
Loss of Senses
Losing a sense can drastically affect the quality of life. Losing the sense of sight or hearing is the most devastating. Your movement will be restricted, and you will be heavily reliant on others, diminishing your independence.
Internal Organ Damage
Every organ in the body has its role to play in your health and maintenance of body functions. Damage to any organ can impair your ability to enjoy life. For example, damage to the heart or impaired lung function may require refraining from excessive physical activity. This can be hard, especially if your job requires manual labor or if your favorite pastime is hiking or jogging.
What Are Loss of Enjoyment of Life Examples?
The following are two examples of loss of enjoyment of life.
Example 1
A worker negligently operates a tennis ball launcher. A tennis ball hits a passerby in the head. The passerby suffers a severe concussion that leaves them with terrible headaches. The passerby was a 6th-grade teacher who loved their job. But they found it extremely difficult to go to work every day and concentrate on the lessons. Thus, the passerby resigned from their job as a teacher and became the school librarian.
The passerby could no longer enjoy their job due to their injuries, so they had to change occupations.
Example 2
An intoxicated truck driver swerved into the next lane and hit a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist suffered severe burns over their body. Even with reconstructive surgery, the motorcyclist feels very self-conscious of their appearance.
Because of their disfigurement, the motorcyclist rarely leaves their home. Before the accident, the motorcyclist was an upbeat person who enjoyed the company of friends and family.
The motorcyclist could no longer enjoy their life after the accident.
Example 3
Suppose someone hated to go to the gym. However, the person lifted weights and ran on the treadmill every day. Because of a car accident, they sustained neck injuries. The person couldn’t train at the gym anymore. This person may have trouble claiming loss of enjoyment of life if evidence is presented at trial that this person hated going to the gym. It will be a subjective determination by the judge or jury.
What Evidence Is Used to Prove a Loss of Enjoyment of Life Lawsuit?
Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life damages are difficult to prove. Loss of enjoyment of life damages are generally proven by comparing your daily activities and enjoyment before and after the accident that caused your injuries. The key is proving that you not only did the activities but that you enjoyed them.
Common evidence utilized to prove these damages is testimony from you and your family and friends. There may also be photos and videos portraying your love of certain hobbies and pastimes you used to enjoy, but now cannot.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Loss of Enjoyment of Life Claim?
Loss of enjoyment of life is a type of damage in a personal injury claim. Georgia law allocates two years for a personal injury claim. You must file a lawsuit within that two-year time frame. If you do not, usually you won’t be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Don’t hesitate to contact MG Law. We don’t want you to lose your opportunity for justice. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve your claim.
Contact MG Law for a Free Consultation
Can you sue someone for loss of enjoyment of life alone?
Yes. But it is not recommended. Suing for loss of enjoyment of life can be complicated. You need the expertise of a law firm that has a proven track record of success. At MG Law, we are dedicated to fighting for justice and securing the highest compensation possible for you. Contact our award-winning attorneys at (770) 988-5252 and learn how we can help you.
Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.