Loss of enjoyment of life is a substantial but often overlooked consequence of an accident and injury. If you sustained an injury and are now unable to participate in things that used to bring you joy, you could be compensated for the loss of enjoyment you now experience. For more information and skilled legal advice, schedule your free consultation with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer today.
What is Loss of Enjoyment of Life?
“Loss of enjoyment of life” is a legal term that refers to the detrimental effects of an injury or accident that prevents you from partaking in activities that once brought you happiness and fulfillment. This noneconomic loss relates to the new inability to engage in certain experiences and activities which can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental and physical health and well-being.
Can I Be Compensated for Loss of Enjoyment?
Yes, you can be compensated for the loss of enjoyment of life in certain circumstances. If your accident and injury were caused by another individual or entity’s negligence or reckless behavior, you can generally request compensation for loss of enjoyment through a personal injury lawsuit or claim.
When determining your compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, the court or insurance company will consider several factors including:
- The severity of your injury
- The impact the injury has had on your daily life
- The long-term or permanent effects of the injury on your life
- Evidence and testimony from you, medical professionals, therapists, and friends and family
Because noneconomic damages like loss of enjoyment of life do not have a clear and obvious monetary value, it can be challenging to determine exactly how much you are entitled to. However, techniques like the multiplier and per diem method can help you quantify your losses.
How is Loss of Enjoyment Calculated?
Loss of enjoyment of life can be calculated in several ways. The two most common methods, however, are as follows.
- Multiplier method: The first step in the multiplier method is calculating your economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and anything to which you can assign a clear numerical value. Then, multiply this number by one, two, three, four, or five depending on how much you have been impacted by your injury with one being the least and five being the most. That is the estimated value of your noneconomic damages which can be added to the economic damages to get your total compensation.
- Per diem method: Using evidence of your medical expenses and newfound limitations, an economic and medical professional can determine the value of your losses for one single day. After making this determination you can multiply the number times the amount of days you are or will be impacted.
The actual outcome of your settlement or lawsuit will vary depending on the details of your injury and the specific circumstances of your situation. To learn more about your legal options and secure skilled representation, reach out to a skilled attorney at Falcon Law Firm, LLC today.
