Many car accident injuries heal within weeks—but for some, the pain doesn’t fade. Chronic pain can interfere with work, family life, and daily routines, leaving victims physically and emotionally drained.
If you’re living with long-term pain after a crash in Kent, Washington or the Puget Sound area, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains how Washington law handles chronic pain claims, how to prove ongoing pain, and how an attorney can help you recover full and fair damages.
Understanding Chronic Pain After a Car Accident
Chronic pain refers to pain lasting longer than three months after an injury. It often stems from nerve damage, soft tissue trauma, or complications from untreated injuries. Common examples include:
- Neck or back pain from whiplash or spinal injury
- Nerve damage causing burning or tingling sensations
- Ongoing joint or muscle pain from fractures or sprains
- Migraines or headaches from concussions
- Widespread pain conditions like fibromyalgia
Chronic pain can be hard to prove because it doesn’t always appear on imaging tests. However, a skilled Kent personal injury attorney can help gather the right medical and testimonial evidence to establish the seriousness of your condition.
Can You Get Compensation for Ongoing Pain?
Yes. Under Washington State personal injury law, you can pursue compensation when another driver’s negligence causes lasting pain. These claims generally include both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: Medical expenses, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and lost income
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment
Because chronic pain affects long-term well-being, the non-economic portion of your claim is often substantial. The key is documenting your pain’s duration, severity, and impact.
Proving Chronic Pain in a Washington Injury Claim
Insurance companies often challenge chronic pain claims because they rely heavily on personal accounts. Strong documentation makes all the difference.
Your attorney may use:
- Medical records showing consistent pain treatment over time
- Specialist reports from neurologists or pain management doctors
- Pain journals detailing how symptoms affect daily life
- Employment documentation showing missed work or reduced hours
- Witness statements from family or friends describing changes in your mobility or mood
These records help link your chronic pain directly to your car accident and demonstrate how it continues to impact your life.
Why You Shouldn’t Settle Too Soon
After an accident, insurance companies often pressure victims to accept quick settlements. But chronic pain can develop weeks or months later, once initial injuries stabilize or worsen.
If you settle too early, you may lose the right to claim additional compensation for long-term pain or treatment. Before agreeing to any offer, speak with an experienced Kent car accident lawyer who can evaluate your medical records and ensure your settlement covers your future needs.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Chronic pain claims are complex and require detailed evidence. A knowledgeable Kent, WA personal injury lawyer can:
- Coordinate medical evaluations with pain specialists
- Collect expert testimony linking pain to the crash
- Calculate long-term financial and emotional damages
- Negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if negotiations fail
Having a lawyer who understands both medical and legal aspects of chronic pain significantly increases your chance of full recovery.
Average Compensation for Chronic Pain After a Car Accident
Every case is unique. Settlements depend on the extent of your pain, your prognosis, and the effect on your life. In Washington, compensation for chronic pain may reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on these factors:
- Severity and duration of pain
- Impact on employment or earning capacity
- Cost of ongoing medical treatment
- Permanent or disabling effects
Insurers often calculate pain and suffering using a multiplier method, multiplying your medical costs by a number between 1.5 and 5 based on the severity of your pain and life impact.
Take Control of Your Recovery: Talk to a Kent Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re dealing with chronic pain after a crash in Kent or the Puget Sound area, Greaney Scudder Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team understands how ongoing pain affects every part of your life—and we’ll fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
We’ve helped Washington car accident victims recover for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain. Let us help you take the next step toward relief and justice.
Contact Greaney Scudder Law today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Kent, Washington.