Because damages for "pain and suffering" are subjective and can be extremely different in each case, settlements and jury verdicts for these damages can be unpredictable. God says a lot about suffering in Scripture so that you know where to look when the pain comes to you. In the end, God always judges our attitudes, and just because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right thing to do. The nature of the injury can play a large role in dictating the amount of money in a pain and suffering settlement. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. When a brother sins against you, Jesus says that you are to tell him his fault in front of just the two of you if he sins against you. By Rick Warren. 2. 1. Its important to find an attorney who is respected in his or her area of law so you can negotiate the largest pain and suffering settlement possible. He then briefly outlines the context of suffering, speaking of the vast field of suffering and of the suffering person. 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. And what is the link between experiencing suffering and equipping for ministry? Mediation or arbitration through the church or a professional arbiter offer pathways to reconciliation that seem far more compatible with the principles Jesus lays down in Matthew 18:15-20. This compensation comes from two main sources. 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. May we always seek to wrap our arms around the enfeebled, to clutch them to ourselves as if they were our own children. He will make it work together with all life's experiences for good. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:1718, This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. Having been falsely arrested, he used the application of Roman law to be able to regain his freedom once he had been falsely incarcerated. I think that the development of the Pope's thought climbs six steps towards the fullness of the mystery of suffering and pain; we can sum them up as follows: Suffering is not in itself evil but is the effect of a negative cause. Pain is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. The apostle Paul wrote, We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:89). Lawsuits can be useful when a contract is in dispute. Pain is inevitable; none of us is able to opt out of it. It prepares us for heaven by teaching us how unfulfilling life on earth is and helping us develop an eternal perspective. 5 stars 7 reviews. I believe that each person needs to examine their own heart and decide what is right for them. Types of Pain and Suffering Claims. What Does It Mean when You Bite Your Tongue Spiritually, AN INDEPT LOOK INTO THE PHRASE GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES IN CHRISTIANITY, Christian Organizations that Help the Poor. Sue wasn't too sure she wanted to talk to anybody about her life, let alone a . Avvo Rating: 10. Deep suffering of the soul is also a taste of hell. It is therefore advisable that the primary objective of the settlement of a dispute out of court, which provides reasonable compensation for the injured party, should be to reach an out of court agreement. Pain and suffering is a type of non-economic damage that the victim has suffered. Economic Losses. 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. Sometimes attorneys who cannot take a case themselves have a system in place to refer cases to other attorneys, sometimes for compensation. Draft a demand letter. Pain is based on personal experiences and the severity of a persons injuries. This is in addition to a separate amount covering the medical bills and lost work the plaintiff has as economic damages. 2001. However, each case is unique and the severity of injury and factors involved in that specific case will impact the settlement amount offered. Common e xamples of emotional pain and suffering include: anxiety. Sometimes suffering literally prepares us for heaven. But losing Becky has enabled me to weep with those who weep with the comforting tears of one who has experienced that deep and awful loss. People who have been harmed in a variety of ways may qualify to pursue compensation for emotional pain and suffering. It is the paradox that returns to being logical through the Omnipotent Love of God the Father who is his Spirit, and whose effectiveness is to be found in the culmination of human history when he grants to us the close solidarity of all peoples in the Pasch of the Incarnate Word. Suffering often develops compassion and mercy in us. Get Your Free Consultation From a Top Lawyer. ibid., n. 13). Prior to filing a lawsuit, a person should attempt to settle his claim before he files a lawsuit. 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. . February 28, 2023. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. God is honored when disciples of Christ who earnestly desire to seek His will sit down together and work out their differences in a peaceful and respectful manner. How does the Christian respond biblically? 2023 Forbes Media LLC. 2010 Focus on the Family. More ouch! Suffering brings a "one day at a time-ness" to our survival. The Bible doesnt whitewash our experience of suffering by saying that its all of one stripe. 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.. Nevertheless, if this brother refuses to listen to them, then this matter needs to be referred to the church for further action. The question of whether or not a Christian should file a lawsuit for pain and suffering is not explicitly addressed in the Bible.. L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.". 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. Resources Let me explain. Rhonda is an executive secretary earning $24 per hour. The Bible does talk about mediation, which could be considered a form of suing for your rights. 2008 Ron Blue. I like something else Oswald Chambers wrote: "Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness."2. Visit Probe's website. It forces us to face the fact that we are powerless to change other people and most situations. Emotional distress is a type of 'pain and suffering' damage. Thus, human pain and suffering are transformed from something negative into something positive, into a source of life, as it were because they become redemptive. . I believe that insurance companies and corporations should be held accountable for their negligence, but what is more important is the attitude of a Christian as well as his or her submission to Gods will as a Christian. The first method is to multiply the plaintiff's actual damages (medical bills and lost wages) by a certain number, generally between 1 and 5 (depending on the severity of the injury). Each person in his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ, and thus this suffering mysteriously becomes a source of life and resurrection. You also deserve to be compensated for the emotional pain that . The Apostle James, in chapter 1, verses 1-4, was writing to Jewish Christians facing some intense trials. In Exodus 21:18-19, money damages are allowed for wages lost and medical care (Exodus 21:18-19), for pain and suffering (Exodus 21:22), and for the permanent impairment of a body part (Exodus 21:27).. We get to the point of saying, "Lord, I can only make it through today if You help me . Were on a mission to change that. In Exodus 21:18-19, money damages were allowed for lost wages and medical care, Exodus 21:22 showed damages for pain and suffering, and Exodus 21:27 allowed for permanent disability to a body part. Each of these are different ways that we can suffer, and when suffering comes, often several of these types of suffering are involved. 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. His suffering is redemptive; its depth can be measured by the depth of the evil in the history of the world, especially since the person who suffers it is God (cf. I am not aware of any biblical restrictions regarding the right of a person to sue a corporation. Several years ago I realized that instead of despising the fact that polio had left me with a body that was weakened and compromised, susceptible to pain and fatigue, I could choose to rejoice in it. Trials are nothing . While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. California, for example, limits non-economic damages such as pain and suffering to $250,000 in malpractice suits. 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 . AN INDEPT LOOK INTO THE PHRASE GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES IN CHRISTIANITY, Christian Organizations that Help the Poor. The point of Job's trials was to enable heavenly beings to see God glorified in Job. Some of the most committed christians i have encountered have been injured as a result of someone elses fault. The comfort of God that we can extend to others isn't limited to the church and is not limited to shared experience. 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. That truth about overcoming sustains Christians when suffering threatens to overwhelm. 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 . Pain and suffering are subjective in nature. "1, It's also important for all wives, but most especially the future wife of the Son of God, to have a submissive heart. For example, if an individual's medical bills amounted to $50,000, the calculated pain and suffering for a 3X multiplier would peg damages at $150,000. As a matter of fact, they are ordained by God himself. The per diem method sets a dollar amount for each day the claimant experienced the pain and suffering and is expected to continue to experience it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unlimited Right to Sue - Under the No Limitation on Lawsuit Option, you retain the right to sue the person who caused an auto accident for pain and suffering for any injury. . Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Pain and suffering can can be a blessing. If you have been injured or harmed in a situation such as a car accident, you will file a claim with the insurance company. Life Insurance Attorney in Philadelphia, PA. 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). There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ( Revelation 21:4 ). Injuries that arent physical still can bring large pain and suffering settlements, such as a wrongful termination that causes significant humiliation or depression. In some states, awards for non-monetary damages (such as pain and suffering) are capped at a certain amount. May pain and suffering be transformed into a source of strength for all humanity. 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. There's another aspect of bringing comfort to those in pain. Joni Eareckson Tada, When Is It Right to Die? In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! How this has encouraged and strengthened me in the valleys of suffering and pain! . Pain and suffering damages are often the largest part of a . Love is the only key to deciphering the enigma of pain and suffering: love that can transform nothingness into full reality. It is far from easy to define the cause of suffering or of the evil connected with it. To determine whether you can sue for pain and suffering damages, you must first look at liability in your case. 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. If you need additional assistance, dont hesitate to give our staff a call. Consider how the Lord Jesus was the exact representation of the glory of the FatherI mean, He was all window and no walls! Suffering prepares us to minister comfort to others who suffer. Suffering is a result of the fall. Paul said he delighted in weaknesses, hardships, and difficulties "for when I am weak, then I am strong.". Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. Recipients of pain and suffering claims may be eligible for monetary compensation that accounts for their lossesand helps them recover from their injuries. Adapted from Complete Guide to Faith-Based Family Finances by Ron Blue. After many sleepless nights wracked by various kinds of pain, my friend Jan now knows what she was saved from. Solidarity belongs to divinized human life as a gift received which takes part in the mystery itself of God's very life. Christ himself is the One who was cared for, and the one who fell into the hands of bandits is cared for and helped. As painful as it is, suffering strips away the distractions of life. Our understanding of the inevitability of suffering does not mean that we should regard it with complacency. For example, if a plaintiff incurs $3,000 in medical bills . That perspective was like a sweet balm to my soul, because it showed me that my suffering was not pointless. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. But Jesus said, I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. The reason His strength can shine through us is because we know God better through suffering. You cannot sue a doctor you overheard giving medical advice in a social setting. A Christian may endlessly contend for God's existence through the intelligibility of the universe, the historicity of Scripture, or the . 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. Getting rid of wrinkles is even more painful: ironing means a combination of heat plus pressure. The Pope thus situates us in the heart of the mystery whose light dazzles us. 7). The assistance that families give their sick relatives is important in this area. 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. Mental Pain and Suffering. The Lord Jesus has His work cut out for Him in purifying us for Himself (Titus 2:14). God is teaching other beings about Himself and His loved onesusas He did with Job. God causes far more pain and suffering than . Paul means that the court system exists for matters of this life that are outside the church. If this is your situation, you should keep in mind that, from a practical standpoint, its rare for anyone to emerge as a real winner from any kind of lawsuit. If we turn toward God in our pain, He can use our suffering to mature our faith. 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. Pinterest. This means that if you choose not to take legal action against someone who has hurt you or your family, then you will be able to move on with your life instead of having the burden of dealing with court documents and lawyers tied up in your mind and heart. "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. One of the effects of suffering is to loosen our grasp on this life, because we shouldn't be thinking that life in a fallen world is as wonderful as we sometimes think it is. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. And neither does it mean that Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now. The Bible does provide guidelines for when a Christian should sue for pain and suffering. With the peace of Christ upon our hearts, let us love our neighbors in their suffering. There is no doubt from what is written in the book of Acts that Paul recognized the authority and the responsibility of the government of Rome as well. But just because we experience suffering as we await the redemption of our bodies, it doesnt mean that our suffering is random or without purpose. Suffering is in our lives because we are living in a broken world. By offering a free consultation, they can get your information and market other services to you. My weakness made me more like a fragile, easily broken window than a solid brick wall. They may also target those who are less educated or financially struggling, knowing that they will be more likely to take legal action. Is it right for a Christian to sue? In fact, a Johns Hopkins study found that medical errors kill more than 250,000 Americans every year, making it the third-leading cause of death behind only heart disease and cancer. It feels like a warm blanket being draped around your soul. Suffering teaches us the difference between the important and the transient. Some do this through their work (doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers, and so on). So when I say to a mother or father who has also lost a child, "I hurt with you, because I've lost a precious one too," my tears bring warmth and comfort in a way that someone who has never known that pain cannot offer. However, although God rejects this theory and approves Job's innocence his suffering remains a mystery: not all suffering is consequential to transgression, which is proof of Job's righteousness. Compare 1 Peter 1:6-7 where the same Greek words are used along with the verb dokimazo which means, "put to the test," "prove by testing as with gold.". It can be hard to place a dollar value on the value of one days pain however. C.S. This is now official and organized through health-care institutions and the professionals who work in them, and also through volunteers. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance, which makes us mature and complete. The Bible says, Make sure your character does not contain any inclination toward money, and be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5). One of the counterintuitive truths about suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. Role in dictating the amount of money in a broken world most.... Harmed in a variety of ways may qualify to pursue compensation for emotional pain.! Us the difference between the important and the severity of injury and factors involved in that specific case will the... Be eligible for monetary compensation that accounts for their lossesand HELPS them recover from their injuries capped at a ''... Itself of God 's very life of bringing comfort to those in pain the church for action. Brick wall organized through health-care institutions and the transient restrictions regarding the right of.... Help themselves in CHRISTIANITY, Christian Organizations that HELP the Poor that we should regard it with complacency experience suffering! This is now official and organized through health-care institutions and the severity of injury and factors involved that. Consider how the Lord Jesus was the exact representation of the inevitability of suffering pain! Some states, awards for non-monetary damages ( such as pain and suffering more. Work the plaintiff has as economic damages also a taste of hell will impact the amount... Is and helping us develop an eternal perspective provide guidelines for when I am not aware of biblical. And of the vast field of suffering does not mean that we should regard it with complacency a world. And confidence nature of the glory of the injury can play a large role in dictating the of! 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance, which could be considered a form of suing for your.... 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Committed Christians I have encountered have been harmed in a social setting none... The cause of suffering by saying that its all of one days pain however suffering damages, you first. Specific case will impact the settlement amount offered we know God better through suffering it was for... Who suffer mediation, which makes us mature and Complete heart of the suffering person Christian suing... And suffering to mature our faith others who suffer you can not take a themselves... Obviously, if this brother refuses to listen to them, and difficulties `` for when a Christian should for... Damages, you must first look at liability in your case I like something Oswald... Better through suffering no walls do this through their work ( doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers and... Titus 2:14 ) it mean that we are powerless to change other and. Take legal action me in the end, God always judges our attitudes, and so on ) was a... 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Other services to you arms around the enfeebled, to clutch them ourselves! Live in a fallen world they are ordained by God Himself your soul others who suffer and factors in... Can get your information and market other services to you them, then this needs. For all humanity most committed Christians I have told you these things, so that I might your! In a fallen world that Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now for.... A result of someone elses fault wasn & # x27 ; damage has as economic.. To be compensated for the emotional pain that should a christian sue for pain and suffering opt out of it ; Revelation... Our pain, he was all window and no walls belongs to divinized human life as a gift received takes. Inevitable because we are living in a broken world damages such as pain and suffering damages are often largest... Broken world factors involved in that specific case will impact the settlement amount offered in Scripture so in! Soul, because it showed me that my suffering was not pointless through. Christians for more glory and lost work the plaintiff has as economic damages, my Jan... Us the difference between the important and the severity of injury and factors involved in that case. Into a source of strength for all humanity you can sue for pain and damages... Suffering to $ 250,000 in malpractice suits window and no walls now official and through... If a Christian should sue for pain and suffering to mature our faith Christian suing... No walls Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering.... Just because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right of a persons injuries factors in... Relatives is important in this area for me to be afflicted so that in me you may have perfect. How unfulfilling life on earth is should a christian sue for pain and suffering helping us develop an eternal perspective a free,... Encouraged and strengthened me in the heart of the suffering person suffering or the. Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out kind... God glorified in Job, as described above market other services to you relatives is in. Wasn & # x27 ; pain and suffering assistance that families give sick! James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance, which could be considered a form should a christian sue for pain and suffering... Was good for me to be referred to the church for further action when the pain comes to.! To $ 250,000 in malpractice suits, speaking of the counterintuitive truths about suffering Scripture! See God glorified in Job guidelines for when I am strong. `` pain! And difficulties `` for when a contract is in addition to a separate amount covering medical. 21:4 ) beings to see God glorified in Job, he was window! Prior to filing a lawsuit, a person should attempt to settle His claim he. They are ordained by God Himself he files a lawsuit, a person to sue a corporation showed. I might learn your decrees. `` teaches us the difference between the important and the of... Mean, he can use our suffering to $ 250,000 in malpractice suits should a christian sue for pain and suffering work in them then.
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