Emotional and Psychological Damages in Missouri Personal Injury Claims

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

October 21, 2025

When most people think of personal injury claims, they picture physical harm—broken bones, surgeries, or lasting physical disabilities. But not all injuries are visible. Many accident victims suffer emotional and psychological damages such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In Missouri, these types of damages are recognized under personal injury law. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the mental and emotional toll it has taken on your life.


At Finder Law, LLC, we know that emotional injuries are just as real—and just as life-altering—as physical ones. Here’s what you need to know about recovering for these damages in Missouri.

What Are Emotional and Psychological Damages?

Emotional and psychological damages (sometimes called “pain and suffering” or “non-economic damages”) include the mental and emotional effects of an accident. Examples include:


  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Depression or mood changes
  • Sleep disturbances or nightmares
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Emotional distress tied to disfigurement or disability


These conditions may develop after a serious car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or other traumatic event.

Can You Recover Compensation for Emotional Distress in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri law allows personal injury victims to recover compensation for non-economic damages, which includes emotional and psychological suffering. However, these damages can be harder to prove because they are not tied to a simple bill or receipt like medical expenses.

Courts and insurance companies typically consider:



  • Medical records from psychologists, therapists, or doctors
  • Testimony from mental health professionals
  • Your own account of how the injury has impacted your daily life
  • Statements from family and friends about changes in your behavior or quality of life

Why Emotional Damages Are Often Undervalued

Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny emotional injury claims, suggesting that your suffering is exaggerated or unrelated to the accident. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney who can present strong evidence and advocate for your full recovery.

Compensation Available for Emotional and Psychological Damages

If proven, compensation for emotional distress may include:

  • Costs of counseling, therapy, or medication
  • Compensation for pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Future treatment for ongoing conditions

Why You Need a Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer

Emotional and psychological damages are often the hardest part of a case to prove, but also some of the most important. Without legal representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve.


At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how emotional trauma affects every part of your life—your work, your relationships, and your future. We fight to make sure insurance companies and courts take your suffering seriously.

Contact Finder Law, LLC Today

If you’ve suffered emotional or psychological damages after an accident in Missouri, you don’t have to go through the process alone. You deserve compensation for the full impact of your injuries, both physical and emotional.


Call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today for a free consultation. Let us protect your rights and fight for the settlement you deserve.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

What to Look for in a Family Law Lawyer in Missouri

October 16, 2025
Choosing the right family law lawyer in Missouri can make all the difference when you are facing sensitive legal matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division. Family law cases involve not only complex legal issues but also deeply personal and emotional challenges. That’s why selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make.  At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. To help guide you, here are the key qualities and factors to look for when hiring a family law attorney in Missouri.

What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Missouri

September 24, 2025
Discovering that you have an active warrant in Missouri can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal charge, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t go away on their own, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop. At Finder Law, LLC, we help clients throughout Missouri resolve active warrants and protect their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this situation.

Minor Injury Soft Tissue (MIST) Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

September 18, 2025
Not every personal injury case involves broken bones, surgery, or long hospital stays. Many accidents—especially car crashes, slips and falls, or workplace incidents—result in soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some people assume these are “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and fight for fair settlements—even in cases involving injuries that insurance companies try to minimize.

Are Traffic Tickets Public Record in Missouri? Who Can See Them?

September 16, 2025
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri can be stressful—fines, possible court dates, and the risk of points on your license. But many people don’t realize that traffic tickets are also part of the public record. That means others may be able to see your driving history, which can have long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and reputation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help drivers across Missouri understand their rights and protect their records when facing traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know about how traffic tickets are recorded, who can see them, and why it matters.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.

The “Laughing Heirs” in Missouri: What Happens When Remote Relatives Inherit?

August 26, 2025
Estate planning often focuses on spouses, children, and grandchildren. But what happens when someone dies without a will and without any close relatives? This is where the concept of “laughing heirs” comes into play.

When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

August 19, 2025
If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you’re likely dealing with pain, medical treatment, and the stress of lost wages. While workers’ compensation benefits exist to provide financial and medical support after a workplace injury, navigating the system can be complex and frustrating. Knowing when to hire a workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Personal Injury Claim FAQs in Missouri: What You Need to Know

August 14, 2025
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering a personal injury claim. Whether the incident involved a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace accident, Missouri law provides a legal pathway for victims to recover compensation. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in Missouri.