In This Article
The harm from an accident is not always visible. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and the loss of enjoyment of life can be as debilitating as a physical injury. Nevada law recognizes that emotional distress is real harm and, in the right circumstances, allows compensation for it.
Emotional Distress as Part of a Physical Injury Claim
When emotional suffering accompanies a physical injury, it is generally recoverable as part of the non-economic damages in the claim. The trauma of a serious crash, a disfiguring injury, or a long painful recovery all factor into the value of the case.
Standalone Emotional Distress Claims
Nevada also recognizes claims for negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress in certain situations, though these carry specific legal requirements. They may arise, for example, where someone witnesses harm to a close family member or endures extreme and outrageous conduct.
Proving Emotional Harm
Because emotional injuries are not visible, proof matters: treatment records from mental-health providers, testimony about changes in mood and behavior, and documentation of how daily life has changed. Consistent, credible evidence makes these damages real to a claims adjuster or jury.
Recognizing the Full Scope of Your Harm
Injured people sometimes focus only on bills and broken bones, overlooking the emotional toll they are entitled to address. A free review can help ensure the full impact of an injury — including its psychological effects — is accounted for.