He does know what He's doing . This market value on pain and suffering established by similar cases is a starting point from which lawyers operate. 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. The perfect Plan A of God's beautiful, suffering-free creation was ruined when Adam and Eve fell. Many Christians only know they're saved without grasping what it is Christ has delivered them from. This definitive destruction of suffering through suffering leads us to destroy our actual suffering with the whole panoply of means at our disposal, as in the case of the Good Samaritan. 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. Cardinal Barragn also visited several institutions connected with the Grunenthal Foundation for Palliative Care. In addition to physical pain, the accident and your resulting injuries can also cause you mental distress. Lewis seemed to have a good grasp on this. Related Topics: Discipleship, Discipline, Sanctification, Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Life, Suffering, Trials, Persecution, Women's Articles, Sue Bohlin is a speaker/writer and webservant for Probe Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people to think biblically. 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. New York, meanwhile, has no caps on any damages, economic, non-economic or punitive. How does the Christian respond biblically? 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. Insurance companies typically limit what they pay in accordance with policy limits, but your lawyer may be able to reference your car being totaled when arguing for a pain and suffering settlement. Many people are bothered by the fact that jury verdicts often seem to exceed the value of an injured partys damages in a case where the verdict was a defense verdict. Through Christ's solidarity with al humanity the human pain of all time; was suffered by Christ in his passion and his redeeming death. This is the heart of Christianity. Sometimes suffering literally prepares us for heaven. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I got truth from studying, but I got to know the Savior through suffering. But in matters of . In his book The Problem of Pain, he says: "Pain insists upon being attended to. Romans 5:12 confirms that this happened after Adam's fall, "Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all . We would suggest that its best to begin by seeking mediation or arbitration. 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.". He has kept you through pain; he has reshaped you more into his image. 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. 2010 Focus on the Family. This is particularly true in situations involving contracts and commercial transactions. ibid., n. 13). Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. 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.. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. There is no such thing as pointless pain in the life of the child of God. Determining If You Can Sue for Pain and Suffering Damages. Getting rid of wrinkles is even more painful: ironing means a combination of heat plus pressure. In Massachusetts, noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases are limited to $500,000. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. If you can see the purpose beyond the pain, you will understand God's ability to leverage the suffering in your . Thanks to the Greek language however, a distinction is made particularly in the New Testament between suffering and evil. (5) Suffering is a Process. The wisdom we need in this world often wears black. . 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. But how? Suffering makes us homesick for heaven. I have an appreciation of heaven gained from a different experience. Their medical costs and lost wages are economic damages. 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. 9:10, May 1, 1995, 1. 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.. Pete just shrugged and said, "This is nothing." As Christians, we are not to seek revenge for wrongdoing (see Leviticus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 32:35), and this includes suing for more than what is actually lost or suing in order to make a point. You cannot sue a doctor you overheard giving medical advice in a social setting. Fortunately, the same book assures us that discipline is a sign of God's love (Heb. 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. First, consider the following: This passage tells us that we should be willing to forgive others just as God has forgiven us. The only answer [to the "why" of suffering] can come from the love of God in the Cross (cf. The expense in terms of time, money and emotional outlay usually offsets any potential financial gain that might be expected from the case. Also, the Bible discusses the consequences of suing another Christian, so we can infer that there are negative consequences for doing so (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). 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. The average payout for an injury from a car accident is $23,234 according to the Insurance Information Institute. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. When you use bleach to get rid of stains, it's a harsh process. Rather, it recognizes the multifaceted ways that suffering can come upon us. As my body weakens from the lifelong impact of polio, to be honest, I have a deep frustration with it that makes me grateful for the perfect, beautiful, completely working resvurrection body waiting for me on the other side. Through all this I've been brought closer to God. 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. It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this . You may think that suing for pain and suffering will help pay some of these billsbut if your goal is actually helping another person in need (and thus following Gods command), then perhaps there are other ways that you could stretch your finances further in order to assist them with their needs or show mercy through giving charity rather than demanding payment for wrongdoing after receiving justice according*to Biblical principles.*. If you believe you or someone you love were the victim of medical malpractice, contact Morgan & Morgan. The problem of pain and suffering has perplexed humanity since the fall of man, and for good reason. Her per diem is $192 x 30 days for a total of $5,760 for her pain . And what is the link between experiencing suffering and equipping for ministry? All rights reserved. 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1051. Claims Amount = $2,000 + $300 X [1.5 to 5%] For a serious debilitating injury, like a disfigurement or brain damage, your claim is estimated to be in the range of $11,500.00 to $23,000.00. but God is everything. This the opinion of Job's friends (cf. Lets say a Christian contractor performed work on a brother Christians house, but the brother refused to pay. After many sleepless nights wracked by various kinds of pain, my friend Jan now knows what she was saved from. They would be entitled to compensation for their economic injuries separately (the cost of medical care and lost wages). A description of the biblical steps can be found in Matthew 18:15-17. The sin committed by a person spreads by joint human liability. What you are experiencing from God, you can give away in increasing measure to others. Suffering is excellent at teaching us humble dependence on God, the only appropriate response to our Creator. 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. One of my dearest friends shared with me the prayer from a heart burning with emotional pain: "Papa, I know I can make it through the next fifteen minutes if You hold me and walk me through it." 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. An eternal God provides humans with an existence beyond the grave. The cost for severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, will likely be multiplied by a higher number. This article is also available in Spanish. Many different cultures have their own interpretations of why people suffer. Some lawyers may target Christians who are looking for someone to help them with their problems; others may focus on people looking for someone to blame for their pain and suffering. Life Insurance Attorney in Philadelphia, PA. I have been asked to expound on John Paul II's incomparable thinking on human pain. 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.". Suffering is a product of the fall, a consequence of human sin against God (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21). However, each case is unique and the severity of injury and factors involved in that specific case will impact the settlement amount offered. Like Mary in the example above, your pain and suffering may consist mostly of economic losses such as: Cost of medical care 2001. And if you are faithful to cling to God now, I promise He will use you greatly to comfort others later." Paul said he delighted in weaknesses, hardships, and difficulties "for when I am weak, then I am strong.". Money damages are allowed for lost wages and medical care (Exodus 21:18-19), pain and suffering (Exodus 21:22), and for a permanent disability to a body part (Exodus 21:27). Jesus told His followers, "In this world you will have trouble. 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. ", Sometimes our suffering isn't a consequence of our actions or even someone else's. Before you can recover any compensation for your injuries, you must be able to prove liability against the defendant. In Matthew 5:25, Jesus tells us that. 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). Some do this through their work (doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers, and so on). Those who suffer tend to have tender hearts toward others who are in pain. He then briefly outlines the context of suffering, speaking of the vast field of suffering and of the suffering person. The Bible speaks of suing and the importance of seeking justice (1 Timothy 6:7), but it does not specifically address this issue. Jesus himself deeply disappointed . Suffering, the Pope says, consists in feeling cut off from good. There are many other options available besides suing those who have wronged us. The meaning of suffering is to do good by one's suffering and to do good to those who suffer (cf, ibid.,n.30). This amount is separate from lost wages and other medical expenses, such as x-rays, medications, and hospital visits. Painful as they are, all our deaths and endings hold lessons we cannot live wisely without. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ( Revelation 21:4 ). She also loves speaking for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and Stonecroft Min More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 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. Attorneys experienced in personal injury law know how to present a lawsuit that results in negotiation instead of litigation. 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. Non-Economic or punitive, consider the following: this passage tells us not to to. Us humble dependence on God, you can Sue for pain and suffering established by similar is. Romans 5:12 ; 1 Corinthians 15:21 ) all of our resources exist guide... 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