What You Should Know
After a serious injury, the physical recovery is only part of the battle. One of the most profound—and often overlooked—impacts of an accident is the loss of enjoyment of life. In Arizona personal injury cases, this type of damage is compensable and can significantly influence your settlement or trial outcome.
What Is “Loss of Enjoyment of Life”?
“Loss of enjoyment of life” refers to the emotional and psychological toll that comes when a person can no longer engage in everyday activities they once loved. This could include exercise, social activities, hobbies, or even simple pleasures like walking your dog or playing with your kids.
For example:
- A Scottsdale resident who used to hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve may no longer be able to handle the terrain due to a back injury.
- A mother may no longer be able to pick up her child due to nerve damage.
- A retiree who once played weekly golf at Troon North may now struggle with mobility and pain.
Unlike medical expenses or lost income—known as economic damages—loss of enjoyment falls under non-economic damages, which focus on quality of life.
Arizona Law on Loss of Enjoyment Damages
Arizona recognizes “loss of enjoyment of life” as a valid component of non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits. While often bundled with pain and suffering, this category deserves special attention in serious injury cases, particularly when the impact is long-term or permanent.
To support this claim, your attorney may use:
- Personal statements and daily life journals
- Medical assessments
- Testimony from psychologists or occupational therapists
- Input from family, friends, or co-workers
- Documentation of changes in activities or social life
The more clearly your loss is demonstrated, the stronger your compensation claim.
What Types of Accidents Commonly Lead to This?
At Rideout Law Group, our Scottsdale personal injury attorneys handle cases where “loss of enjoyment of life” is a key issue—especially in:
- Car Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Workplace Injuries
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits
These incidents often leave victims with chronic pain, physical limitations, or emotional trauma that rob them of the lifestyle they once enjoyed.
How Is Loss of Enjoyment Calculated?
There’s no exact formula. Instead, Arizona courts instruct juries to award reasonable compensation based on how the injury has changed your life. Factors like age, health prior to the incident, and the extent of lifestyle disruption all matter.
A knowledgeable attorney will work with specialists to quantify these impacts, ensuring your damages reflect the real emotional toll you’ve endured.
Why Choose a Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawyer?
Loss of enjoyment claims require strategic advocacy and deep understanding of Arizona law. At Rideout Law Group, our Scottsdale-based legal team brings aggressive representation and compassionate support to every case.
We know how important outdoor living, recreation, and quality of life are to our Scottsdale community. Let us help you fight for more than just bills—we’ll pursue the compensation you deserve for the life you’ve lost due to someone else’s negligence.
📍 Need Help in Scottsdale?
Call (480) 584-3328 or visit us at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 for a free personal injury consultation.