Blog

Proving Loss of the Enjoyment or Quality of Life

Updated:
02.08.24
anchor link

When it comes to injuries that don’t have an exact price tag—sometimes called “non economic damages”—pain and suffering is the primary thing that most of us think of. But there is another area where a victim may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages: Loss of the enjoyment or quality of life.

As a general rule, every injury, no matter how large or small, to some extent, reduces our enjoyment of our life. That loss may be temporary or it may be permanent, it may be major or minor, but it is almost impossible to sustain an injury and not have the ability to enjoy life reduced to some extent.

Compensation for Loss of Enjoyment of Life

The law recognizes this, and allows a jury to compensate you for the loss of the enjoyment or quality of your life.

But what is the loss of enjoyment or quality of life? Put simply, it is the extent to which you could once do the things you enjoyed, which you cannot do now at all—or not do as well, or as often.

Some of those things can be major life-altering things, such as the inability to carry around a young child, or the loss of the ability to play your favorite game with your husband or wife. It can be recreational things as well, such as the inability to play your favorite sport, or sit in a movie for two hours, or walk around and shop. Whatever it is you do or enjoy, you simply cannot do, either at all, as well, or for as long.

Not a Total Loss

You can lose the ability to do something you enjoyed completely, but you don’t have to show a complete loss to be entitled to damages.

You can show, for example, that you can go shopping, but you can only walk for an hour now, or you cannot do it for more than one day a week. You could show that you can still walk with your spouse, but not as far, without having to sit down.

Often, loss of the enjoyment or quality of life is accompanied by pain and suffering. But you can have one without the other.

For example, someone may have an injury that has completely healed, as far as pain is concerned, but there is still a disability—for example, a limp because of a leg injury—that prevents someone from doing an activity they once enjoyed.

We want to change the way people view lawyers, one relationship at a time.
Daven P. Cameron

Proof to the Jury

A jury can’t and won’t just assume you have lost the enjoyment or quality of your life, even if it seems obvious—it’s something you have to prove. This is often done through your testimony, or that of your friends or family, who may see that you don’t participate in the activities that you once did.

Let us help you get compensation for all of your losses after an accident. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Cameron Law today at 702-874-3697 for a free consultation.

No items found.
2024-02-08
2024-07-17

Posts

Latest Blog Posts by Daven P. Cameron

What Happens If Your Car Gets Hit in a Police Chase?

Navigate the legal intricacies of post-pursuit car accidents. Gain insight into liability, policy frameworks, and recoverable damages. Get a consultation today!

Updated:
09.05.24

Structured Settlement: A Comprehensive Guide 2024

Explore structured settlements for financial stability through reliable income streams, perfect for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Consult with us now!

Updated:
09.04.24

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Injury Lawyer

Despite all the advertisements, if you’re in an accident, and it’s time to find an attorney, you may end up a little stumped: how do I know which attorney to choose? Sure, there are a lot of attorneys out there. But when you do reach out to them, what questions should you ask, so that you know you have the right attorney for the job?

Updated:
08.01.24

Is It Required to Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) in Nevada?

Navigating the complexities of auto insurance can be daunting, especially when it comes to protecting yourself from uninsured motorists in Nevada. An auto insurance policy includes various components, one of which is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is not only mandatory in this state but also essential for safeguarding your finances in case of accidents with uninsured drivers. Understanding how UM works can ensure you’re adequately protected against unexpected expenses that could arise from such incidents. Whether you need advice on UM coverage, assistance with filing a claim, or representation in negotiations, our company with experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers are here to help you.

Updated:
07.18.24

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Las Vegas, Nevada (FAQ 2024)

Discover compensation options & defense strategies. Contact our hit and run accident attorneys at Cameron Law for a free consultation if involved in a hit and run.

Updated:
07.18.24

Nevada Motorcycle Helmet Law (FAQ 2024) – All You Need To Know

Are you confused about Nevada's motorcycle helmet laws? This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the regulations, including requirements for motorcycle drivers and passengers, potential penalties for non-compliance, strategies for contesting citations and much more. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this blog will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Nevada's helmet laws and prioritize your safety on the road. If you need urgent assistance from the well-qualified Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer, call Cameron Law at 702-745-4545.

Updated:
07.18.24

Nevada Ride-Sharing Accident Laws ‒ Everything You Need to Know

Explore Nevada ride-sharing accident laws, including regulations, insurance requirements. Reach out to our Las Vegas ride-sharing accident lawyer for consultation today!

Updated:
07.18.24

When Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for a Car Accident? Pedestrian Accident Liability in Nevada

Pedestrian Accident Liability in Nevada: Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault?

Updated:
07.18.24

If Your Car Looks Crushed in an Accident, That May Be a Safety Feature

If you are in a car accident, one way the defense will defend their case, is to refute how injured you are. That probably comes as no surprise to you. What may surprise you, is how they try to prove that you weren’t injured, because it has nothing to do with your body or the condition of your body. Rather, it has to do with your car and the damage that it sustained.

Updated:
05.22.24

Hot Coffee and Hot Food Can Lead to Real Injuries

When it comes to dangerous foods, often, it isn’t the food that a restaurant or business is serving you that is dangerous. Often, it’s the temperature of that food. And yes, while we all expect hot food to be hot, there’s a difference between hot food and food that is so scalding hot that it can do damage to our bodies.

Updated:
05.22.24

What Decisions Will Truly Autonomous Cars Have to Make When It Comes to Safety?

Although it feels like our cars are thinking on their own, they aren’t completely there just yet. But they will be, and you probably already know that fully self-driving cars are being tested. Some cars, like Teslas, actually have self-driving features, but even the manufacturer warns that their cars are not prepared to fully drive themselves everywhere, without human intervention.

Updated:
05.22.24

Nevada’s Nursing Home Ratings are and Have Been Pretty Bad

We all know that nursing homes can be dangerous, and can neglect, or even abuse residents. But how bad are they? And more specifically, how does Nevada do, in comparison with other states in the country?

Updated:
05.22.24

The Insurance Company and the Duty to Defend in Injury Cases

You will often hear or read, or perhaps hear your personal injury attorney talk both about “The Defendant” and “the Insurance company for the Defendant.” You may even hear your attorney talk about “The Defendant’s attorney” or “The attorney for the insurance company.”

Updated:
05.16.24

Claiming Compensation After Child Brain Injury

As adults, we are generally well aware of brain injuries — how bad they can be, what the signs and symptoms are, or how to even know if you’ve sustained them. But what about minors and kids? Minors get involved in accidents and have traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), but we often aren’t as prepared to recognize the symptoms — or the long-term consequences — when minors sustain TBIs

Updated:
05.16.24

Cruises Can Be Fun Until You Read the Cruise Ticket

Going on a cruise? Enjoy yourself. Just don’t let that multi-page cruise ticket ruin your trip. Because if you read what is on that cruise ticket, you may think twice about booking that trip.

Updated:
05.16.24

Why Pedestrian Accident Cases Can be Difficult Cases to Win

When a car hits a pedestrian, it is only natural to make the assumption that it is the vehicle that is at fault. After all, cars are bigger than people, and should look out for pedestrians. So when people (pedestrians) are hit, the cars are almost always assumed to be at fault.But that’s actually not how it happens, in a real pedestrian accident case. In fact, cases where people are hit by cars can be very difficult for the injured pedestrian to win, and a number of factors make these cases more complex than you may initially think.

Updated:
03.28.24

Unfairly Prejudicial Evidence May not be Used in Trial

Let’s say you have evidence that helps your case. Good evidence. Evidence that is so persuasive and convincing you know it will help convince a jury to see your side if your case goes to trial. There’s just one problem: the evidence is so good and so persuasive to a jury, that the court doesn’t allow you to use it.

Updated:
03.27.24

Don’t Believe These Personal Injury Law Myths

Personal injury cases, unlike some other kinds of legal cases, often make news. Between cases that make the news and lawyers that advertise in the media, the general public learns of or hears of a decent amount of personal injury information.

Updated:
03.22.24

Laceration Injuries Can Be Severe-Even Deadly

Were you in an accident, and your injury is “just a cut?” It’s funny how when we cut ourselves, people look at the injury as minor, like it’s just a small scratch. In reality, lacerations can be painful, and even debilitating, if they are bad enough and severe enough.Lacerations are a sad reality in any kind of accident, and you don’t have to be exposed to any kind of sharp edge or knife blade to get cut.

Updated:
03.21.24

Can a Trespasser Sue for Injuries on Someone Else's Property?

PROPERTY? We all know that a property owner is liable for injuries that the owner causes to the people who are supposed to be on the property. But what about people who aren’t supposed to be on the property? What happens when a trespasser is injured?

Updated:
03.14.24

Elevators Cause More Injuries Than You May Think

Going up or down? Either way, you could face some degree of danger, if you’re on an elevator. Many of us get the chills thinking about being caught in a closed, broken, elevator, waiting for help. But even when the elevator seemingly works, there are still things that can go very wrong, and cause injury to people.

Updated:
03.08.24

Special Issues When Kids are Injured

While all injuries seem sad and tragic, when it comes to kids, accidents seem all the more tragic and sad. And while the law itself is the same regardless of whether dealing with a child or an adult, there are things about when a child is injured that make the case a bit different than it would originally be, when an adult is injured.

Updated:
03.07.24

The Dangers of Lane Change Accidents

One day you are driving on the road, just going straight, without any intersections, lights, or stop signs. And then it happens: you get into an accident. How did that happen? It probably happened from a lane change or lane departure accident, which is actually more complex than you may at first think.

Updated:
02.29.24

Getting Blamed for Your Own Accident Can Cost You a Lot of Money

If you are in an accident, you are a victim. And as a victim, it is hard to imagine that you could be blamed for the accident, or for your own injuries. But that’s exactly what many defendants do in personal injury cases. Not only do they blame the victim for causing the accident, in full or in part, but they are legally allowed to do so—and if a jury believes the Defendant enough, it could forever bar you from recovering damages in your accident.

Updated:
02.23.24

Is There a Link Between Heart Attacks and Accidents

Back injuries. Head injuries. Knee, shoulder, and other joints. All injuries that you would normally associate with accidents of any kind. But what about heart attacks? We tend to think of heart attacks as events that happen because of genetics, or long-term habits like bad eating. But you may be surprised to know that there is a causal link that has been found, between the occurrence of a heart attack, and people who have been in accidents.

Updated:
02.22.24

Not Exactly Humpty Dumpty, But the Eggshell Plaintiff

Imagine there are two people, and they are in the exact same kind of accident, and suffer the exact same kind of injury. One goes through recovery, maybe misses a few weeks of work, and is back to work like new. The other seemingly never fully recovers; he is constantly in need of therapy, in constant pain, and misses extended time at work.

Updated:
02.22.24

Watch Out If You’re Asked to Sign a Blanket Medical Authorization

Let’s say that you have made the somewhat poor decision to represent yourself after an accident. Everything seems to be going well; the insurance company is even saying they may want to offer to settle your case. All they need is a blanket medical authorization.

Updated:
02.16.24

Can a Biomechanical Expert Help Your Injury Case?

In the world of personal injury law, there are all kinds of experts that you may need to provide expert testimony about your case. But one kind of expert that is often overlooked, is the biomechanical expert. The biomechanical expert bridges the gap between your accident, and your injuries, showing the jury how your body may have been affected, by the forces and the impact that you suffered in your accident.

Updated:
02.15.24

Proving Loss of the Enjoyment or Quality of Life

When it comes to injuries that don’t have an exact price tag—sometimes called “non economic damages”—pain and suffering is the primary thing that most of us think of. But there is another area where a victim may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages: Loss of the enjoyment or quality of life.

Updated:
02.08.24

You'Ve Won Your Case! But Will You Ever Get Paid?

When people are injured and they file injury lawsuits, they understandably look primarily at whether they can win their case, and how much they will be compensated in any successful lawsuit. But often, victims don’t look to another, just as important question: Even if you win your case, will you actually get paid from the Defendant?

Updated:
01.26.24

Property Owners Can’t Delegate Certain Duties to Third Parties

On and in many properties, there are many companies that may be responsible for some, or all, of the company’s operations. In a typical store, especially a larger one, you may have warehousing companies, third parties that come into the store to sell their own goods, security companies, or cleaning and maintenance companies.

Updated:
01.19.24

Falls: the Hidden Danger in Hospitals

Hospitals are supposed to be safe. But increasingly, studies are showing that they can actually be dangerous—and not for the reasons that you may think. When we think of potential dangers or risks in a hospital, we often just assume that medical errors or medical malpractice are the big risks that patients should worry about. And while malpractice is a risk, there is another risk that is much less publicized: the risk of falls.

Updated:
01.12.24

A Lot of People May Be Liable for Your Trucking Accident

Let’s say that you are in an accident with a large truck, sometimes called an 18-wheeler or a semi-truck. You know the truck caused the injury, so you assume, you sue the trucking company for compensation for your injuries.

Updated:
01.11.24

Rideshare Drivers and the Inherent Distractions of Their Jobs

Rideshare Drivers and the Inherent Distractions of Their Jobs

Updated:
01.08.24

After a Car Accident, What Do You Do with the Children's Car Seat?

Let’s say that you’re in an accident, and your car has sustained damage, but it gets repaired and it’s still drivable. You probably don’t give much thought to the children’s car seat that was in the car at the time of the accident—especially if the car seat at first glance looks fine. But how damaged is that car seat? Does it need to be replaced after a car accident?

Updated:
01.05.24

Think You’re Being Protected by Safety Laws at Amusement Parks? Think Again

Let’s say that you go to an amusement park, someplace with rides and roller coasters. Those look like pretty dangerous activities—you’re being hurled in the air at high speeds by something mechanical that looks like it’s just barely hanging onto the tracks. Are you safe? And who is keeping you safe?

Updated:
1.4.2024

Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster on a Personal Injury Claim: All You Need to Know

When filing a personal injury claim, it’s important to understand the pivotal role that insurance adjusters play. These professionals manage claims on behalf of insurance companies, aiming to minimize payouts while protecting their employer's interests.

Updated:
12.22.23

Liability When Someone Commits Suicide

As a nation, we have put a lot of money into suicide awareness and prevention, and for aid to those who may feel like suicide is the only answer. But the sad fact is that suicide does happen. When it does, it can and will devastate a family. Understandably, blaming others may not be the first thing on your mind, if your family is dealing with a suicide.But there are times when someone may be liable for a suicide, and if you are a family grieving for a lost loved one, you may want to know whether someone who could have helped, failed to do so.

Updated:
12.21.23

How Does an Insurance Company Know How Much to Offer to Settle Your Case?

You probably already know that in most cases, there is an insurance company on the other side of the case, that is evaluating your claim or case, and making vital decisions about whether they want to offer to settle your case, or whether they want to take your case all the way to trial.

Updated:
12.15.23

Foreign, Dangerous, and Disgusting Objects in Our Food

When you order food or buy it, you expect that the only thing in that food would be the otherwise palatable and edible ingredients that you would expect to be in that food. But unfortunately, that isn’t the case sometimes. Sometimes, we find things in our food or food products that should not be there.

Updated:
12.14.23