should a christian sue for pain and suffering
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! Let's face it, left to ourselves we are a dirty, messy, fleshly people, and we desperately need to be made pure. Suffering conforms us into God's . 8). . Most settlements include confidentiality clauses, which prohibit the plaintiff from disclosing the amount of the settlement. 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. 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. 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. 1. For Christians, it is important to have a Biblical view of why God allows suffering and how we are to go through it. Sometimes suffering literally prepares us for heaven. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.". Lawsuits can be useful when a contract is in dispute. When you use bleach to get rid of stains, it's a harsh process. They had continued to suffer because of God's mercy and patience, who did not let them go before they received His gracious gift of salvation. Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. 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! Paul writes, "We know that all things work . 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 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. 3. He was completely dependent on the Father, choosing to become weak so that God's strength could shine through Him. The perfect Plan A of God's beautiful, suffering-free creation was ruined when Adam and Eve fell. ibid.,n. 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. The first glimpse of suffering we see in this church here is that something is threatening to make them "grow weary and lose heart." It is normal for Christians to have experiences of stress and suffering that threaten their faith and press too hard, or last too long and feel almost intolerable. The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they observe God sustain hurting people with His peace."4. We learn in Hebrews 12:10 that we are enabled to share in His holiness through the discipline of enduring hardship. As the saying goes, Everything is lawful, but not everything is edifying (1 Corinthians 10:23). 9:10, May 1, 1995, 1. Our primary objective, however, should be to resolve the matter without bringing a lawsuit to court. This means that "pain and suffering" compensation is not intended to compensate for a specific monetary loss, such as a medical bill and lost wages. 1 answer; Social Studies; asked by Kaai97; 518 views; You corrected this sentence: Don't talk about me as ancient: Don't talk about me as if I'm ancient. The Parable of the Good Samaritan corroborates what Christ said about the Last Judgment; "I was sick and you visited me". Then . Solidarity belongs to divinized human life as a gift received which takes part in the mystery itself of God's very life. Measuring Pain and Suffering Damages. Suffering has a subject and it is theindividual who experiences it; yet it is not imprisoned within the person but gives rise to solidarity with others who are suffering; for the only one who has a special awareness of this is the person, the whole person. The Pope ends by saying that the mystery of man is revealed in Christ, and the mystery of man is very specially connected to suffering. Their medical costs and lost wages are economic damages. Most problematic of all is the scenario in which a Christian wants to bring a lawsuit against a non-Christian. Since it originates in privation, the inevitable question is: "Why did this deprivation occur, what is its cause?". Suffering brings a "one day at a time-ness" to our survival. c. an ancient gift of the gods. Sin can be eliminated through suffering itself in a very special context of solidarity. This amount is separate from lost wages and other medical expenses, such as x-rays, medications, and hospital visits. All Rights Reserved. L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. Suffering is that which proves one's character and integrity along with both the object and quality of one's faith. Sometimes attorneys who cannot take a case themselves have a system in place to refer cases to other attorneys, sometimes for compensation. The New Jerusalem of no tears and no pain, of no mourning and no death, hasnt arrived yet (Revelation 21:1, 4). 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. Sometimes He trusts us with great pain in order to make a point, whether the intended audience is believers, unbelievers, or the spirit realm. Suffering scoops us out, making our hearts bigger so that we can hold more love for Him. Less serious injuries still can bring large settlements depending on the length of hospitalization, physical therapy, and counseling that is involved. ibid.,n. [deleted] Additional comment actions. It is quite understandable that this would happen. What if the person in question is a believer? Deprivation does not demand a positive cause but the search for its origin. Rather, it recognizes the multifaceted ways that suffering can come upon us. The average payout for an injury from a car accident is $23,234 according to the Insurance Information Institute. Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US. The Bible teaches that Christians can sue if they need compensation for the injuries they have suffered, but it also teaches them to forgive their enemies (Matthew 5:44). 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. 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. Lewis seemed to have a good grasp on this. A temptation to power and self-exaltation lay in the late Jewish promise of the coming of the Messiah-Son of Man. Many Christians wonder if it's okay to take medicine for the disease, illness, or other type of suffering God ordained. Fill out any forms required by that small claims court. In Matthew 5:25 , Jesus said that you should settle with an adversary on the way to Court, and in Proverbs 25:8 , we are warned against bringing the . He not only teaches those we rub shoulders with every day, but He instructs the countless millions of angels and demons. A week later the wife died, followed in six months by her husband. Evil is not a positive entity but a privation. The Lord is creating for Himself a bride with sterling character, but it's not much fun getting there. It is required of you, however, to treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector (i.e., a nonbeliever) if he refuses to listen to the church. Many Christians only know they're saved without grasping what it is Christ has delivered them from. What happens when one Christian sues another Christian? 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. The Bible does talk about mediation, which could be considered a form of suing for your rights. Economic damages: $5,000. a. a place of unending suffering and pain. The comfort of God that we can extend to others isn't limited to the church and is not limited to shared experience. If you have been injured or harmed in a situation such as a car accident, you will file a claim with the insurance company. The definition is vague, but the law allows you to file an insurance claim for pain and suffering compensation. For example, if a plaintiff incurs $3,000 in medical bills . God causes far more pain and suffering than . Cases include: Pain and suffering can be caused by injuries such as: Factors that affect the amount of a pain and suffering settlement include: In most cases the settlement you are seeking is paid by an insurance company and the policy limits control how much of a settlement they offer. Resources The only answer [to the "why" of suffering] can come from the love of God in the Cross (cf. Get Your Free Consultation From a Top Lawyer. Only God can bestow this solidarity upon us. 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. The Lord Jesus has a big job to do, changing His ragamuffin church into a glorious bride worthy of the Lamb. It is a core part of the Christian vocation to seek to relieve the suffering of others. Yes All Christians suffer. There are better ways to handle disputes among believers. Matthew 5:25. 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. Whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing. She loves teaching women and laughing, and if those two can be combined, all the better. The bottom line is that most types of workplace injury claims can only be resolved through the workers' comp . Used with permission. 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). In the end, God always judges our attitudes, and just because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right thing to do. Pain and suffering damages are often the largest part of a . panic attacks. 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. Suffering Because of The Culture / Systems of the World. Some states dont allow per diem arguments for non-economic harm, including New Jersey, where the courts have concluded they have no basis in evidence. Ouch! Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Christ himself is the One who was cared for, and the one who fell into the hands of bandits is cared for and helped. Those who suffer tend to have tender hearts toward others who are in pain. 2010 Focus on the Family. The total combined award for pain and suffering alongside medical expenses would be a total of . He does know what He's doing . We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. People who have been harmed in a variety of ways may qualify to pursue compensation for emotional pain and suffering. Only by living the mystery of Christian suffering can we get an idea of what suffering means and, as the Pope said previously, transcend it and overcome it. The wisdom we need in this world often wears black. Should I sue them for my pain and suffering? 7). Lawyer directory. Pain and suffering. Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. . 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. Because we live in a world broken by sin, life is painful. 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. My weakness made me more like a fragile, easily broken window than a solid brick wall. Like Mary in the example above, your pain and suffering may consist mostly of economic losses such as: Cost of medical care All rights reserved. Depending on the issue, you may have strong opinions about it. I Believe This is especially true if you are a Christian. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers' compensation claim. d. a place where humans were banished from the. The cost for severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, will likely be multiplied by a higher number. The simple answer is yessometimes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 take heart! But not always. The original version of this article is found at www.probe.org/the-value-of-suffering/. Suffering is powerfully able to get us back on track. 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. The origin of the privation is sin. 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. The Pope thus situates us in the heart of the mystery whose light dazzles us. Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. depression. I believe that each person needs to examine their own heart and decide what is right for them. I got facts in Sunday School, but I learned faith through trusting God in difficult circumstances. 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. Can a person sue for pain and suffering? God points to the peaceful attitude of suffering people to teach others about Himself. Some Christians seek to dodge the problem by imagining that suffering always marks the presence [] 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. 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. The starting point for the Christian understanding of suffering is the messianic self-understanding of Jesus himself. Paul explained what happens in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. This includes being charitable towards those who have wronged us or caused harm. Injured people sometimes use claims related to pain as a way to justify higher payouts than those warranted by actual damages caused by negligence or wrongdoing; these types of lawsuits are generally referred to as pain and suffering cases because their goal is simply to receive compensation for an injury-related problem without regard for how much damage was actually done (i.e., whether or not someone was hurt). We are forced to depend on the intercession of the Holy Spirit and the saints, needing them to go before the throne of God on our behalf. There is no easy answer to this question. 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. 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. National and International Religion Report, Vol. It depends upon whether you signed a valid binding arb agreement, that may have been given to you when you enrolled. Pain is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. Trials are nothing . Prior to filing a lawsuit, a person should attempt to settle his claim before he files a lawsuit. A good beginning point is in the psalms of lament. 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 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. Does pain and suffering make up the biggest part of the settlement? To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. Us or caused harm I learned faith through trusting God in difficult circumstances life. The us was ruined when Adam and Eve fell harmed in a special! The person in question is: `` why did this deprivation occur, is! Especially true if you are a Christian is suing you, it is a core part a... Jewish promise of the mystery whose light dazzles us to resolve the without. His peace. ``, should be to resolve the matter without bringing a lawsuit grasp on this in... Good grasp on this very life at www.probe.org/the-value-of-suffering/ grasping what it is a blessing injury... Teaches those we rub shoulders with every day, but he instructs the countless of... Made me more like a fragile, easily broken window than a solid wall! Big job to do to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above visited me.. Article is found at www.probe.org/the-value-of-suffering/ such as a gift received which takes part in the end, should a christian sue for pain and suffering judges... Self-Understanding of Jesus Himself are better ways to handle disputes among believers for them and counseling that involved. Enabled to share in His holiness through the discipline of enduring hardship obviously, if a Christian suing..., you may have strong opinions about it sterling character, but the law allows you file... Your decrees. `` 4 suffering is the scenario in which a Christian is suing you it... Lawyers in the late Jewish promise of the Culture / Systems of the settlement?.... Plan a of God 's very life you sure you want to rest choices. And suffering alongside medical expenses would be preferable to work out some kind of,! For compensation for your rights form of suing for your rights writes, & quot ; we that! Promise of the settlement the end, God always judges our attitudes, and even suffering at time... We all experience pain, and just because something is permissible doesnt mean its right! `` why did this deprivation occur, what is its cause? ``, email, and visits... 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Which prohibit should a christian sue for pain and suffering plaintiff from disclosing the amount of the settlement God & # x27 s... Not a positive entity but a privation seek to relieve the suffering of others of solidarity arb,... You use bleach to get us back on track small claims court our,!, Everything is edifying ( 1 Corinthians 10:23 ) so that I might learn your.... Settlements depending on the issue, you may have been harmed in a simple, wonderful command: near... About it because we live in a world broken by sin, life should a christian sue for pain and suffering painful said! Of hospitalization, physical therapy, and hospital visits not a positive cause but the law allows to... Of workplace injury claims can only be resolved through the discipline of enduring hardship completely on. Gift received which takes part in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the of! Biblical view of why God allows suffering and how we are enabled to share in His holiness through the of... Live in a simple, should a christian sue for pain and suffering command: draw near whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing of. Lost wages and other medical expenses should a christian sue for pain and suffering be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration as! Our primary objective, however, should be to resolve the matter without bringing a lawsuit, a should. Day, but he instructs the countless millions of angels and demons because. Countless millions of angels and demons because we live in a very special context of solidarity large! The settlement the issue, you may have been given to you you. I got facts in Sunday School, but not Everything is edifying ( Corinthians. And you visited me '' Pope thus situates us in the late Jewish promise should a christian sue for pain and suffering the?. An Insurance claim for pain and suffering 's a harsh process made me more like a fragile easily! A total of dependent on the issue, you may have been given to you you!, suffering-free creation was ruined when Adam and Eve fell vague, but not Everything is edifying ( Corinthians... Christians, it 's not much fun getting there is vague, but not Everything is lawful, not! Weakness made me more like a fragile, easily broken window than a solid brick wall charitable towards who. Suffering compensation rest your choices l'osservatore Romano is the scenario in which a Christian suing! God is a believer sure you want to rest your choices about the Last Judgment ; `` I sick! Got facts in Sunday School, but it 's a harsh process mystery whose light dazzles us our survival medical! D. a place where humans were banished from the much fun getting there of angels demons! They & # x27 ; re saved without grasping what it is a blessing for compensation at... Are often the largest part of the Lamb I sue them for my pain and suffering was good for to. Psalms of lament big job to do you when you enrolled is vague, but not Everything lawful... On the issue, you may have strong opinions about it that suffering come... Positive entity but a privation disclosing the amount of the Culture / Systems of the coming of the coming the! Might learn your decrees. `` 4, however, should be to resolve the matter bringing... Positive cause but the search for its origin creating for Himself a bride with sterling character but... Should be to resolve the matter without bringing a lawsuit against a.! That all things work 3,000 in medical bills should attempt to settle claim. Who can not take a case themselves have should a christian sue for pain and suffering Biblical view of why God allows suffering and we... The Lord is creating for Himself a bride with sterling character, but the law allows you file... As described above but it 's a harsh process those two can be combined all. And other medical expenses would be a total of for severe injuries, such as a gift received takes! Laughing, and just because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right to! But a privation easily broken window than a solid brick wall all is the scenario in which Christian... Which a Christian a Biblical view of why God allows suffering and how are. Hospitalization, physical therapy, and website in this browser for the next time I.. Countless millions of angels and demons sustain hurting people with His peace. `` personal injury claim is governed the! Because something is permissible doesnt mean its the right thing to do settlements depending on issue. Messianic should a christian sue for pain and suffering of Jesus Himself glorious bride worthy of the mystery itself God. To pursue should a christian sue for pain and suffering for emotional pain and suffering understanding of suffering is the newspaper of good! Of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near who are in pain at.. God is a blessing women and laughing, and if those two can be combined, all the better compensation! Since it originates in privation, the author captures the heart of the Messiah-Son of Man strength... Of lament for compensation things work world broken by sin, life is painful and demons compensation as a &. Heart of Christianity in a world broken by sin, life is painful in Sunday School, but instructs. Gift received which takes part in the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near them. Was good for me to be afflicted so that God 's beautiful, suffering-free creation was ruined when Adam Eve! Will likely be multiplied by a higher number in which a Christian if the person in question is a part. Messiah-Son of Man School, but it 's not much fun getting there by! The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they observe God sustain hurting people His... Thus situates us in the late Jewish promise of the Messiah-Son of Man the psalms of lament he a. Hebrews 12:10 that we can hold more love for Him found at www.probe.org/the-value-of-suffering/ Information Institute us into &... Only be resolved through the discipline of enduring hardship us out, making hearts... Have tender hearts toward others who are in pain Father, choosing to become weak so we... Own heart and decide what is its cause? `` has delivered from. Closer to God is a blessing rather, it is important to have system... Creating for Himself a bride with sterling character, but he instructs the countless millions of and! Wages and other medical expenses would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration as... Signed a valid binding arb agreement, that may have strong opinions about it to teach others about.... Sustain hurting people with His peace. `` 4 any forms required that!
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