I strongly believe that Christians can and, in some cases, should sue individuals or corporate bodies for a number of reasons that have been mentioned above. The nothing from which this new world of happiness or the definitive Paradise flows is not an innocent nothingness but a guilty nothingness that is the greatest evil - sin - which leads definitively to the Cross. . a. a place of unending suffering and pain. All Rights Reserved. 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. Suffering prepares us to minister comfort to others who suffer. Saving all evidence such as medical bills and other expenses associated with the injury is imperative. There is no such thing as pointless pain in the life of the child of God. But many times, pain and suffering settlements are calculated using one of two formulas used by insurance companies. But God brings suffering in our lives for the sake of our eternal joy yes, even glory. It's a wound thatby God's gracehas never fully healed so that I can truly empathize with others out of the very real pain I still feel. Proverbs 25:8. He has kept you through pain; he has reshaped you more into his image. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers compensation claim. Christians were murdered, women raped and sold into slavery along with their children, and whatever property they owned was either destroyed or stolen from them. Suffering is a passive or active attitude to evil, or rather, to the lackof a good that it would be desirable to possess(cf. They may also target those who are less educated or financially struggling, knowing that they will be more likely to take legal action. They would be entitled to compensation for their economic injuries separately (the cost of medical care and lost wages). For we find ourselves in intimacy with the Blessed Trinity, in the loving reality of the unity of the Triune God and in the depths of this mystery. With the Cross, he overcomes sin, and with his Resurrection, death (Jn 3:16; cf. One first needs to frame the enigma correctly and begin to seek its cause. ibid.,n. 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. It can include: Physical pain. 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. Pain and suffering are subjective in nature. 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 solution to the mystery of evil is not only discovered through theological exposition but also by experiencing that something which, if steadily gazed at, darkens because of its excessive brightness yet is very real - we can say the most real reality -, for it is the only way to happiness. There is a statement in Deuteronomy 25:1 that states, When men have a dispute, they must take it to court, and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. Deborah held court under a palm tree in the book of Judges and the Israelites came to her to resolve their conflicts. Can a person sue for pain and suffering? February 28, 2023. The pain and suffering amount should be fair and just in the light of the evidence. ibid.,n. We naturally try to avoid suffering at all costs. Some Christians seek to dodge the problem by imagining that suffering always marks the presence [] And Romans 5:3-4 tells us that we can actually rejoice in our sufferings, because, again, they produce perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope. 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. 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. One of the counterintuitive truths about suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. 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. The reason His strength can shine through us is because we know God better through suffering. I've been in your shoes." 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. After differentiating "natural" evil (e.g., tornados), "malicious" evil (e.g., sexual assault), and "accidental" evil (e.g., a bridge collapse)and observing that this isn't a uniquely Christian challenge ("No matter your worldview, you must face the reality of suffering and evil")Carson proceeds to reveal the six pillars. In this essay I'll be discussing the value of suffering, an unhappy non-negotiable of life in a fallen world. There are also times when this collective suffering becomes more acute. 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. 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. Either you have, you are, or you will through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). The mystery of suffering is contained in the mystery of Love, in the mystery of the Spirit. Types of Pain and Suffering Claims. That means the defendant must have: Owed a duty to you; They've lost track of history. In Christ the enigma of pain and death is revealed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ray and I lost our first baby when she was born too prematurely to survive. Special (pain and suffering) damages: $10,000 ($5,000 x 2) Total: $15,000. As a matter of fact, they are ordained by God himself. This is why the mystery of pain shifts from pain in itself to the mystery of solidarity. In a lawsuit for personal injury, there are two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. Calculating Pain and Suffering Can Be Complex. The Bible does talk about mediation, which could be considered a form of suing for your rights. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Pain and suffering is the result of personal injury caused by another person or company. 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. 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. This reality is a stark reminder that we have not reached the new heavens and new earth. It is quite understandable that this would happen. The world God originally made isn't the one we experience. It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this . ibid.,10). but God is everything. A person should try to settle his claim before a lawsuit is filed. 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. This aspect of suffering should drive us to long for a better . 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. ibid., n. 13). 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. The Apostle James, in chapter 1, verses 1-4, was writing to Jewish Christians facing some intense trials. Marine Corps recruiter Randy Norfleet survived the Oklahoma City bombing despite losing 40 percent of his blood and needing 250 stitches to close his wounds. Paul said he delighted in weaknesses, hardships, and difficulties "for when I am weak, then I am strong.". Our understanding of the inevitability of suffering does not mean that we should regard it with complacency. . Pastor Jack Hibbs explores answers to these questions. We would suggest that its best to begin by seeking mediation or arbitration. 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. Often, legal counsels will recommend that you file a lawsuit against your insurance company for loss as well as punitive damages. In addition to physical pain, plaintiffs can recover for the permanent physical . 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. It's all part of a well-planned courtship. I have an appreciation of heaven gained from a different experience. Can I sue for emotional distress after car accident? That's what suffering will do for us. Article contributed by Probe Ministries
This article is part of the 10 Things You Should Know series. Christian K. Lassen II View Profile . Therefore, there is no exact data on the largest settlements ever reached or even common settlement amounts. Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. I Believe This is especially true if you are a Christian. Taking this advice is wise, since lawsuits can rob us of our peace of mind (Proverbs 29:9). God, therefore, may allow some level of pain and suffering to maintain the just and transcendent character of 'love'. In these two verses, Paul lists several types of suffering mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we read in Proverbs, we are warned not to bring a matter to a court hastily. 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). But Jesus said, I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. Sally's per-diem is $80 x 30 days for a total of $2,400 for her pain and suffering. 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. Give to the one who asks you, and does not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from does. Within this therapy, they talk about pain and suffering through a context called Distress Tolerance. 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.". or the next few minutes." . Ouch! Suffering is excellent at teaching us humble dependence on God, the only appropriate response to our Creator. 7). Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. 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. Reveal number tel: (855) 637-2987 . Sometimes attorneys who cannot take a case themselves have a system in place to refer cases to other attorneys, sometimes for compensation. The etymological root of the word helps us understand something about it: "mystery" derives from the Greek "M" or "M", which means closing the eyes, not in the sense of going about blind, but of closing the eyes if they are dazzled, such as occurs, for instance, when we look directly at the sun. 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. 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. We need to be reminded that we are living in "Plan B." If you can see the purpose beyond the pain, you will understand God's ability to leverage the suffering in your . We can comfort others with the comfort that we have received from God (2 Cor. The Bible does not give a clear answer as to whether or not a Christian should sue for pain and suffering. Suffering conforms us into God's . 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. 12:6). Jesus himself deeply disappointed . Home Family QAs Get Help Family Q&A Life Changes Q&As Christians and Lawsuits. This amount is separate from lost wages and other medical expenses, such as x-rays, medications, and hospital visits. Prior to filing a lawsuit, a person should attempt to settle his claim before he . But if youre sued by a non-Christian, you may not have an opportunity to seek reconciliation and resolution anywhere except in a court of law. How Often Should You Take Communion According to The Bible? 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. Tada, 118. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ibid.,n. Ever since the fall of Adam, we keep forgetting that God created us to depend on Him and not on ourselves. 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. Joni Tada said, "You were made for one purpose, and that is to make God real to those around you. 1. Pain is inevitable; none of us is able to opt out of it. The problem is especially difficult when it comes to the question of whether christians can bring lawsuits against others for personal injury. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Can Two Walk Together Except They Agree? 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. Suffering makes us more determined to obey God; it teaches us to be submissive. Whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing. California, for example, limits non-economic damages such as pain and suffering to $250,000 in malpractice suits. There's another aspect of bringing comfort to those in pain. You also deserve to be compensated for the emotional pain that . Thus, suffering involves solidarity (cf. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. It's difficult to put a value on a person's mental and emotional well-being because it's purely subjective. But how? Pain is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. This is a huge mistake. What if the person in question is a believer? There are several kinds of personal injury suits, all of which can result in pain and suffering settlements. ibid.,n. We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. 5. Anywhere between $1 million to $1.5 million for failure to diagnose cancer and other terminal diseases in medical malpractice cases; and. The Bible does talk about mediation, which could be considered a form of suing for your rights. The expense in terms of time, money and emotional outlay usually offsets any potential financial gain that might be expected from the case. Attorneys experienced in personal injury law know how to present a lawsuit that results in negotiation instead of litigation. A week later the wife died, followed in six months by her husband. In addition to the comments above, you should also know that you are likely obligated to arbitrate your claim with Kaiser rather than sue in court. 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. In addition to individual suffering, there is collective suffering due to human errors and transgressions, especially war. One first needs to frame the enigma correctly and begin to seek its cause. 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. Scripture makes it pretty clear that brothers and sisters in Christ should not be suing one another (1 Corinthians 6:1-11). Theology of suffering is the study of what the Bible says about suffering while considering who God is and the current state of humanity. or the next hour . Depending on the facts of the case and what method is used to calculate damages, pain and suffering will make up some . Suffering can make us long for the new heaven and the new earth where God will set all things right again. 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. One of the counterintuitive truths about suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. (5) Suffering is a Process. For example, in Florida, a Plaintiff can receive up to $1 million for non-monetary damages. 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.. 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. 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. 2. Only God can bestow this solidarity upon us. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 reminds us that we are "destined for trials." Let's face it, left to ourselves we are a dirty, messy, fleshly people, and we desperately need to be made pure. 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