If we turn toward God in our pain, He can use our suffering to mature our faith. . Pain and suffering is a type of non-economic damage that the victim has suffered. Get Your Free Consultation From a Lawyer Near You. While I Believe that the bible does not directly state that Christians Are to hold corporations and wrongdoers accountable on behalf of others, it is consistent with the focus on justice that scripture places on the law to hold that View. Not being judged is a great comfort to those who hurt. And neither does it mean that Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now. The wisdom we need in this world often wears black. If your car being totaled resulted in a more catastrophic physical injury, it is likely that your settlement will be larger because of that even if pain and suffering is not explicitly mentioned. This reality is a stark reminder that we have not reached the new heavens and new earth. Sometimes we hurt so much we can't pray. But just as sunlight pours through a window but is blocked by a wall, I discovered that other people could see God's strength and beauty in me because of the window-like nature of my weakness! In this guide, well explain what pain and suffering is, review some pain and suffering settlement examples, and discuss everything you need to know about these settlements. This is why the mystery of pain shifts from pain in itself to the mystery of solidarity. 9:10, May 1, 1995, 1. We see this biblical truth illustrated through the persecuted church. The comfort of those who have known that same pain is inexpressible. If you can see the purpose behind the pain, you can find the way out of this lie. There is no such thing as pointless pain in the life of the child of God. One of my dearest friends shared with me the prayer from a heart burning with emotional pain: "Papa, I know I can make it through the next fifteen minutes if You hold me and walk me through it." First, choose your state: . For I . This makes it hard for judges, juries, and other decision makers to determine how much money should be awarded to an injured party because they dont know what type or degree of pain that individual has experienced since every case is different. By offering a free consultation, they can get your information and market other services to you. The Bible speaks of suing and the importance of seeking justice (1 Timothy 6:7), but it does not specifically address this issue. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.". 28). It can be hard to place a dollar value on the value of one days pain however. Suffering has taught my friend the lesson of total, humble dependence on God. The psalmist learned this lesson as he wrote in Psalm 119:67: "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. I would like to introduce you to the concept of Christian arbitration. Is it right to take another person to court if you think they have done something wrong? He allows us to experience storms in our lives for the same purpose: to learn to depend on God. Matthew 5:41-42 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Once youve identified who is at fault for your pain and suffering, its time for some detective work. Losing heart is a great spiritual danger. 2. If a Christian refuses to have the matter resolved by the church or by a Christian, then you can take him to court if he refuses to resolve the matter through the church or by a Christian. In the end, God always judges our attitudes, and just because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right thing to do. This word pair names one of the most difficult problems facing Christian faith and practice today. Mystery, in the Christian faith, is not darkness but dazzling brightness. Suffering is in our lives because we are living in a broken world. Painful as they are, all our deaths and endings hold lessons we cannot live wisely without. Applying a biblical worldview to this difficult subject results in a distinctly different approach to suffering than our natural inclination of blame and self pity. Can a person sue for pain and suffering? Therefore, there is no exact data on the largest settlements ever reached or even common settlement amounts. Furthermore, the Christian mystery is not only something contemplated but also experienced. Nevertheless, if this brother refuses to listen to them, then this matter needs to be referred to the church for further action. Avvo Rating: 10. Chambers, June 25. As for evil, it is a deprivation; it has no positive value in itself and therefore cannot be a positive cause or principle, for its origin is a mere privation. Recipients of pain and suffering claims may be eligible for monetary compensation that accounts for their lossesand helps them recover from their injuries. You also deserve to be compensated for the emotional pain that . This infinite solidarity is infinite Love, which is the Holy Spirit who has been poured out into our hearts, an infinite Love that is God himself. What if the person in question is a believer? God is teaching other beings about Himself and His loved onesusas He did with Job. Suffering makes us homesick for heaven. We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. I am not aware of any biblical restrictions regarding the right of a person to sue a corporation. When you use bleach to get rid of stains, it's a harsh process. To sue for pain and suffering or emotional stress, you have to file a personal injury lawsuit and prove that your employer was at fault. This is a Trinitarian and Christological solidarity in which the absolute fullness of life is attained through death. Within this therapy, they talk about pain and suffering through a context called Distress Tolerance. Please try again later. From our solidarity with the essence of life which is the Risen Christ, we can understand our loving solidarity with Christ suffering on the Cross; just as the Risen Christ includes in his Resurrection the resurrection of humanity, of each and every one of us, so too the suffering of Christ contains the suffering and pain of each and every one of us. Pete just shrugged and said, "This is nothing." Since the injuries are moderate, the insurance company might use a multiplier of 3 and offer a settlement of $15,000 for the pain and suffering component of the lawsuit. I love this paraphrase of Romans 8:28: "The Lord may not have planned that this should overtake me, but He has most certainly permitted it. 2. . Suffering reminds us that we live in an abnormal world. Sin can be eliminated through suffering itself in a very special context of solidarity. For example, if a plaintiff incurs $3,000 in medical bills . (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992), 122. But not always. The perfect Plan A of God's beautiful, suffering-free creation was ruined when Adam and Eve fell. . In light of the tragedies we've experienced lately, such as shootings and wildfires, some may ask why there is pain and suffering in the world. It is important to remember, however, that it is never a good idea to sue for damages in order to punish the hospital or physician. This includes being charitable towards those who have wronged us or caused harm. Despite this, verses 4 and 5 of that passage suggest that the dispute should be referred to a church member for resolution to resolve the issue. I know the Bible says Christians should not sue Christians, but is it okay to sue non-Christians? The following is a translation from Italian of excerpts of the Cardinal's lecture. Some survivors, like Sue, wonder how there could be a God who would allow an innocent child to endure such pain and suffering, and others see no meaning or purpose in life. Attorneys experienced in personal injury law know how to present a lawsuit that results in negotiation instead of litigation. It is called "cross" and "resurrection". Judges 4:5. It can bring us to the end of ourselves and cause us to turn to the God of comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all . Pope John Paul II does not conceal the fact that suffering is something complex, enigmatic and intangible that must be treated with full respect and compassion and even with awe; but this does not justify the attempt to understand it, since only in this way will it be possible to come to terms with it. Pain and suffering are subjective in nature. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The problem is especially difficult when it comes to the question of whether christians can bring lawsuits against others for personal injury. This gift of solidarity is the meaning of the Incarnation and the meaning of Jesus Christ. He appealed to the law of Rome to defend himself when he was falsely accused by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and jailed by the Roman authorities as a result of this false accusation.. He redeems all of it for His glory and our blessing. In this way, the mystery of suffering-love enters into the very constitution of God incarnate, the Son made flesh through the work of the Holy Spirit. As well as striking the blow, the man was also responsible for seeing to it that the injured man was fully healed after the blow was struck. Those who have suffered tend not to judge others experiencing similar suffering. But in order for someone to say those powerful words"I know just how you feel because I've been there"that person had to walk through the same difficult valley first. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers' compensation claim. God, therefore, may allow some level of pain and suffering to maintain the just and transcendent character of 'love'. We need to be reminded that we are living in "Plan B." For example, in Florida, a Plaintiff can receive up to $1 million for non-monetary damages. depression. In Massachusetts, noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases are limited to $500,000. Suffering produces growth and maturity (James 1:2-4). I've been in your shoes." I believe that each person needs to examine their own heart and decide what is right for them. There are as many evils as things that are wanting: an evil, according to its intensity, gives rise to pain, sorrow, depression, disappointment and even desperation; it exists in dispersion but at the same time entails solidarity. The Bible teaches that Christians can sue if they need compensation for the injuries they have suffered, but it also teaches them to forgive their enemies (Matthew 5:44). Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. The church is not meant to be a loosely bound association of functional Lone Rangers. In Christ the enigma of pain and death is revealed. One of the most powerful words of comfort I received when we were grieving our baby's loss was from a friend who said, "Your pain may not be about just you. The assistance that families give their sick relatives is important in this area. My husband once told me that heaven is more real to me than anyone he knows. He not only teaches those we rub shoulders with every day, but He instructs the countless millions of angels and demons. Then we can turn around and walk alongside others in their pain, showing the compassion that our own suffering has produced in us. Lawyer directory. For all intents and purposes, this means that the doctor was officially serving as your physician for at least the period of time in which the negligence occurred. Emotional and psychological trauma such as insomnia, fear, depressed mood, and anxiety. Answer. It is a joyful, shining mystery and full of happiness. Jesus said that we should settle with an adversary on the way to court. Consider how the Lord Jesus was the exact representation of the glory of the FatherI mean, He was all window and no walls! One first needs to frame the enigma correctly and begin to seek its cause. It is required of you, however, to treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector (i.e., a nonbeliever) if he refuses to listen to the church. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. "5 The reality of God's power, His love, and His character are made very, very real to a watching world when we trust Him in our pain. It was the most horrible suffering we've ever known. 4. our 99 Self-Care Techniques for Christians, How God Used My Struggles with Scrupulosity to Teach Me His Amazing Grace. Jesus endured all that suffering as an innocent man. The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they observe God sustain hurting people with His peace."4. There are better ways to handle disputes among believers. No wonder suffering hurts! It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this . Medical malpractice is alarmingly common in the United States. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an . This amount is separate from lost wages and other medical expenses, such as x-rays, medications, and hospital visits. Cases include: Pain and suffering can be caused by injuries such as: Factors that affect the amount of a pain and suffering settlement include: In most cases the settlement you are seeking is paid by an insurance company and the policy limits control how much of a settlement they offer. Limited Right to Sue - By choosing the Limitation on Lawsuit Option, you agree not to sue the person who caused an auto accident for your pain and suffering unless you sustain one of the permanent injuries listed below . God causes far more pain and suffering than . Many Christians wonder if it's okay to take medicine for the disease, illness, or other type of suffering God ordained. In God's sovereign scheme, pain and suffering are not only powerless to destroy the believer, they can result in a refined, resilient faith that perseveres and spurs others on in the same way, until we see our Lord and Savior face to face. The pain and suffering amount should be fair and just in the light of the evidence. Pain is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. 3 attorney answers. For Christians, it is important to have a Biblical view of why God allows suffering and how we are to go through it. Love is the only key to deciphering the enigma of pain and suffering: love that can transform nothingness into full reality. Nevertheless, before suing anyone, including entities, Christians should ensure that the reasons for initiating the lawsuits are legitimate, lawful, biblical, and moral before they initiate the lawsuit. Jan's suffering has given her an appreciation of the reality of heaven, and she's been changed forever. In Matthew 5:25, Jesus tells us that. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Christian Versus Christian Civil Dispute: According to 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, a Christian is not to civilly file a lawsuit against another Christian in a secular court of law. 2. If you believe you or someone you love were the victim of medical malpractice, contact Morgan & Morgan. we just need to trust Him. Determining If You Can Sue for Pain and Suffering Damages. As a matter of fact, they are ordained by God himself. Exodus 21:22 states that if men who were fighting struck a pregnant woman during a fight and she gave birth prematurely but without serious injury, then the offender had to pay a fine equivalent to what the womans husband demanded and the court approved. Therefore, though it were an attack of an enemy, by the time it reaches me, it has the Lord's permission, and therefore all is well. If the responsible party doesn't pay, identify the appropriate small claims court to hear your case. Taken from: L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 7 September 2005, page 9. 7). panic attacks. California, for example, limits non-economic damages such as pain and suffering to $250,000 in malpractice suits. 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For personal injury law know how to present a lawsuit that results in negotiation instead of.... Who hurt in our pain, He can use our suffering now that suffering as an man. The concept of Christian arbitration you think they have done something wrong are living in `` Plan.. Whether Christians can bring lawsuits against others for personal injury law know how to think about our now... Glory and our blessing permissible doesnt mean its the right thing to do very special context of solidarity youve who. Your case judge others experiencing similar suffering, such as pain and suffering damages because! And death is revealed to take another person to court if you believe you or someone you love were victim! And full of happiness non-economic damage that the victim has suffered growth and maturity ( James 1:2-4.. Law know how to present a lawsuit that results in negotiation instead of.. 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