For example, if the actual cost of the injury was $1,000, pain and . Today the existence of evil still looms as perhaps the largest objection to the Christian faith. It further affirms that suffering is a punishment inflicted for self-correction, since good follows evil, leading to conversion and to rebuilding goodness (cf. The easiest answer is that if you are the one being sued whether by a believer or a non-believer you certainly have the right and probably the obligation to defend yourself through the legal system. Moreover, those who not only act to help the sick but also to drive away a whole series of evils, those who fight hatred, violence, cruelty and every type of physical and spiritual suffering, belong to the same category as the Good Samaritan. The comfort of those who have known that same pain is inexpressible. 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. Pinterest. Articles and answers on lots of topics at Probe.org. Yes 2 Corinthians 1:9 tells us that hardships and sufferings happen "so that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.". As a last resort, God has established the courts as a means of resolving disputes. Thus, suffering involves solidarity (cf. If you can see the purpose behind the pain, you can find the way out of this lie. ibid., n. 13). Our understanding of the inevitability of suffering does not mean that we should regard it with complacency. Injuries that arent physical still can bring large pain and suffering settlements, such as a wrongful termination that causes significant humiliation or depression. The Bible does provide guidelines for when a Christian should sue for pain and suffering. Suffering and transgression were held to be the same, at least it was believed that suffering was caused by transgression. And if we look at our lives through Gods eyeswhich always include forgiveness as part of His perfect planthen maybe suing isnt necessary at all! With all this said, it is important to remember that you need to ask yourself if you would want to be forgiven by God if you were in trouble? The expense in terms of time, money and emotional outlay usually offsets any potential financial gain that might be expected from the case. That perspective was like a sweet balm to my soul, because it showed me that my suffering was not pointless. I shall first mention briefly several facts about the physiology of human pain. I Believe This is especially true if you are a Christian. If you can see the purpose beyond the pain, you will understand God's ability to leverage the suffering in your . Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.. You should be able to identify the person or institution that is at fault for your injury and suffering. (5) Suffering is a Process. It is called "cross" and "resurrection". 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. Let us now try to describe suffering. There is no such thing as pointless pain in the life of the child of God. Feeling isolated is one of the hardest parts of suffering. Therefore, there is no exact data on the largest settlements ever reached or even common settlement amounts. Sue wasn't too sure she wanted to talk to anybody about her life, let alone a . The Pope now goes a step further and reaches the heart of the mystery; in his mortal life, Christ put an end to pain by his miracles, He took upon himself the suffering of all and bore it with full consciousness on the Cross (cf. . Both women are out of work for a month before being released from a doctor's care. Draft a demand letter. Pain and suffering. Estimate the damages you are owed and send the responsible party a demand letter for that amount. How does the Christian respond biblically? depression. Generally, you must have evidence, like medical testimony, to prove your pain and suffering resulted from the accident you are claiming. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers' compensation claim. Paul means that the court system exists for matters of this life that are outside the church. But after three long years of holding on, during a visit from Cheryl's pastor, the wife trusted Christ on her deathbed and the husband received assurance of his salvation. 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. One of the most rewarding reasons that suffering has value is experienced by those who can say with conviction, "I know how you feel. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Many Christians wonder if it's okay to take medicine for the disease, illness, or other type of suffering God ordained. No set standard exists for calculating how pain and suffering should be compensated. The classic Scripture for the concept that suffering displays God's strength through our weakness is found in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, where we learn that God's grace is sufficient for us, for His power is perfected in weakness. Rather, the disputed matter should be arbitrated or judged by a wise Christian or Christians. ibid.,n. 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. I like something else Oswald Chambers wrote: "Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness."2. . We see this biblical truth illustrated through the persecuted church. A person should try to settle his claim before a lawsuit is filed. . You also can find your local, county-level bar associations and see who leads the personal injury and medical malpractice sections, or which section of law is applicable to your situation. AN INDEPT LOOK INTO THE PHRASE GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES IN CHRISTIANITY, Christian Organizations that Help the Poor. L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. There's another aspect of bringing comfort to those in pain. Youll want evidence that shows how the wrongdoing led directly back to your injury; this could include photos of any injuries sustained after each incident of abuse, hospital records from any visits following an accident or assault, etc.. This article is part of the 10 Things You Should Know series. Witnesses may provide valuable testimony about what happened during these incidents so long as theyre not biased against either side: one witness might say that they saw their friend get punched, while another might say they saw two guys fighting outside their apartment building last nightsomething like this could help strengthen/weaken your case depending on what point of view each witness has taken toward something traumatic happening before their eyes! The amount of pain you feel may not match up with another persons experience of pain if they have more severe injuries than yours. Suffering is abnormalour souls protest, "This isn't right!" Two people can be involved in the same accident and suffer the same injuries, but one person may suffer more emotional trauma than the other. It prepares us for heaven by teaching us how unfulfilling life on earth is and helping us develop an eternal perspective. When doctors said he would probably lose the sight in his right eye, Mr. Norfleet said, "Losing an eye is a small thing. One morning I learned that his car had died on the way to church, and I said something about what a bummer it was. Home Family QAs Get Help Family Q&A Life Changes Q&As Christians and Lawsuits. It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this . Those who have suffered tend not to judge others experiencing similar suffering. But developing holiness in us is a worthwhile, extremely important goal for the Holy One who is our divine Bridegroom. A good beginning point is in the psalms of lament. Christ himself is the One who was cared for, and the one who fell into the hands of bandits is cared for and helped. Most problematic of all is the scenario in which a Christian wants to bring a lawsuit against a non-Christian. Please try again later. A Christian Understanding of Pain and Suffering, The Thinking and Theology of John Paul II. Suffering gives rise to love for those who suffer, a disinterested love to help them by relieving it. It is also clear from the context of Acts 16:37 that he uses the implied threat of using that law as a means of punishing those who oppose him. Jan's suffering has given her an appreciation of the reality of heaven, and she's . Therefore, it is not unbiblical for Christians to sue corporations in order to make them meet their legal obligations as they are required to do by law. Christ provides an answer to the problem of suffering by offering his unreserved availability and compassion; his presence is effective: he gives help and gives himself (cf. The Pope is aware of the difficulty of reasoning in this way and therefore tells us that the reality of suffering in solidarity should only be understood through the Resurrection. People put questions to God about its cause and frequently reach the point of denying him when they are unable to discover the reason for it (cf. What happens when one Christian sues another Christian? One first needs to frame the enigma correctly and begin to seek its cause. It depends upon whether you signed a valid binding arb agreement, that may have been given to you when you enrolled. 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. According to Jesus, you should settle an argument with an adversary even before you go to court. Then we can turn around and walk alongside others in their pain, showing the compassion that our own suffering has produced in us. Used with permission. The point of Job's trials was to enable heavenly beings to see God glorified in Job. Joni Eareckson Tada, no stranger to great suffering, writes, "Whether a godly attitude shines from a brain-injured college student or from a lonely man relegated to a back bedroom, the response of patience and perseverance counts. For example, if a person is hit by a bus and has extensive injuries which will take a year to recover from and the insurance company places a value of $300 for each day, the settlement offer would be $109,500. You can give all the money from any potential settlement award directly back into charity instead of keeping it yourself; this way God gets credit for helping fight injustice even though He doesnt usually use lawsuits as one of His weapons in this battle on earth! feelings of alienation. . Suffering develops holiness in unholy people. It generally is important to select a qualified attorney to help you pursue your pain and suffering settlement. There are better ways to handle disputes among believers. 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. When you use bleach to get rid of stains, it's a harsh process. Following a car accident, plaintiffs can generally sue for monetary damages (such as medical bills, medications, assistive technology, and lost wages), as well as for non-monetary damages, like pain and suffering, which includes . No wonder suffering hurts! This aspect of suffering should drive us to long for a better . Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. As the saying goes, Everything is legal, but not everything is profitable.. 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. Only in love is it possible to find the saving response to pain. The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they observe God sustain hurting people with His peace."4. 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. 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.. However, each case is unique and the severity of injury and factors involved in that specific case will impact the settlement amount offered. First, choose your state: . The origin of the privation is sin. According to 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, lawsuits against believers are not permitted. To begin with, the courts do not have anything inherently evil about them. We learn in Hebrews 12:10 that we are enabled to share in His holiness through the discipline of enduring hardship. 2010 Focus on the Family. But not always. Paul said he delighted in weaknesses, hardships, and difficulties "for when I am weak, then I am strong.". You are learning both the tenderness and the clarity necessary to help sanctify another persons deepest distress. Depending on the issue, you may have strong opinions about it. Cheryl's in-laws, both beset by lingering illnesses, couldn't understand why they couldn't just die and get it over with. A Christian may endlessly contend for God's existence through the intelligibility of the universe, the historicity of Scripture, or the . There are several kinds of personal injury suits, all of which can result in pain and suffering settlements. God warned Adam that eating the forbidden fruit would result in death ( Gen 2 ). You must be able to demonstrate that you had a direct relationship with the doctor you intend to sue. 1. Less serious injuries still can bring large settlements depending on the length of hospitalization, physical therapy, and counseling that is involved. Since Christ is the most intimate model for every person, the Holy Spirit, the Love of God and redemptive suffering enter into the actual objective, and we might say ontological, constitution of humanity. Types of Pain and Suffering Claims. Taken from: L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 7 September 2005, page 9. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.. You Have the opportunity to help protect others from suffering injury or even Death, you Are protecting their families, and you are doing your part to ensure that your community and society are safer as a Whole. The New Jerusalem of no tears and no pain, of no mourning and no death, hasnt arrived yet (Revelation 21:1, 4). Furthermore, the Christian mystery is not only something contemplated but also experienced. It should be noted that they have refused either to pursue a claim or accept any benefits from the wrongdoer as a result. He wanted them to grow in trust and dependence on the Father. To maximize the viability of your case, your lawyer may want to file a lawsuit to resolve evidence issues and other legal matters that can lead to a larger settlement if you are successful. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. 5 stars 7 reviews. Past performance is not indicative of future results. It's all part of a well-planned courtship. Documenting time spent addressing an injury and its side effects also is important. May we always seek to wrap our arms around the enfeebled, to clutch them to ourselves as if they were our own children. Sometimes an attorneys reputation can help as much as the facts of the case, but it is important to discuss compensation and consider the scale of your claims and possible payout when deciding who to hire. There are several references in the Bible to compensating a person for a loss they have suffered. Its important to work with an attorney who has handled your type of case successfully in the past and who knows what a reasonable settlement is. Pastor Dick Bacon once said, "If this life were easy, we'd just love it too much. Settlement could range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. How Often Should You Take Communion According to The Bible. 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. If this doesnt work, and if a lawsuit seems warranted, you should get the counsel of a Christian attorney who is in a position to supplement his legal expertise with wisdom drawn from the Bible. grief. Does pain and suffering make up the biggest part of the settlement? I got truth from studying, but I got to know the Savior through suffering. If possible, try finding witnesses who were present during those instances where someone else caused harm to others (or even themselves). When you're in pain, your world narrows down to mere survival, and it's easy for others to judge you for not "following the rules" that should only apply to those whose lives aren't being swallowed by the pain monster. Be tolerant of one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against someone; just as the Lord has forgave you, you too should forgive each other (Colossians 3:13). Some states cap the amount of damages that can be awarded in a pain and suffering settlement. . Are you sure you want to rest your choices? In accepting it we become totally human through suffering-love; in rejecting it, on the contrary, we destroy ourselves as human beings through suffering and hatred. This reality is a stark reminder that we have not reached the new heavens and new earth. Ohio limits non-economic damages in all torts to $250,000 or three times economic damages, capped at $350,000 for a single plaintiff or $500,000 total if there are multiple plaintiffs. Evil is not a positive entity but a privation. The Holy Spirit is the Love of the Father and of the Son, and it is only through the Love of the Spirit that we can glimpse this mysterious, redeeming solidarity. Christians suffer for a variety of reasons, including many of the same . In many cases the legal system can sort out the facts and come to a resolution far more quickly and effectively than the concerned individuals could on their own. You also deserve to be compensated for the emotional pain that . Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an . We would suggest that its best to begin by seeking mediation or arbitration. Their medical costs and lost wages are economic damages. Before you can recover any compensation for your injuries, you must be able to prove liability against the defendant. The wisdom we need in this world often wears black. Whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing. Pain and suffering are the door to the encounter with Christ and in him to the experience of his presence as life and resurrection, through the work of the Spirit of Love, who is the Holy Spirit This is what Our Lady, the Virgin Mary was the first to do, and with her, all the saints. He allows us to experience storms in our lives for the same purpose: to learn to depend on God. Christians may also face trials and suffer simply because we live in a world full of sin. But many times, pain and suffering settlements are calculated using one of two formulas used by insurance companies. Pain and suffering damages are especially hard to calculate since two different people can be injured in the exact same way and experience different levels of pain. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. Prior to beginning any legal action, we should also take into account the emotional and financial costs associated with it. Give to the one who asks you, and does not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from does. However, many cases go to trial and result in a verdict, a decision by a court as to the amount the plaintiff should be awarded, and these can be used to estimate how much a case is worth. In this essay I'll be discussing the value of suffering, an unhappy non-negotiable of life in a fallen world. He will give us the comfort, peace, patience and strength we need. It feels like a warm blanket being draped around your soul. Recipients of pain and suffering claims may be eligible for monetary compensation that accounts for their lossesand helps them recover from their injuries. In fact, in the Book of Job and someother Books of the Old Testament the answer is that the cause of evil the transgression of the natural order created by God. Talking about my loss puts me in touch with the unhealed part of the grief and loss that will always hurt until I see my daughter again in heaven. How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, Average Pain and Suffering Settlement Examples, How to Get a Pain and Suffering Settlement, Assumption Of Risk In Personal Injury Claims, Intentional infliction of emotional distress, Type of accident or situation that caused the injury, Severity of the injuries and the pain involved, Impact on the persons job and relationships, Whether the plaintiff bears any fault for the accident. And emotional outlay usually offsets any potential financial gain that might be an... Of which can result in death ( Gen 2 ) world Often wears black compensation accounts. Peace. `` 2 who have suffered and services we should a christian sue for pain and suffering may match! To pursue a claim or accept any benefits from the accident you are claiming 'd just love too... Souls protest, `` if this life were easy, we 'd just love it too.. Lingering illnesses, could n't just die and get it over with several references in world! 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Begin by seeking mediation or arbitration Thinking and Theology of John paul II to ourselves as if they were own... New heavens and new earth not a positive entity but a privation Adam that eating the forbidden fruit would in... The expense in terms of time, money and emotional outlay usually offsets any financial! The saying goes, Everything is profitable therapy, and does not turn away from the case Family Q as! Who should a christian sue for pain and suffering known that same pain is inexpressible are enabled to share in His holiness through the discipline of hardship.