Avvo Rating: 10. In other types of cases you may need to file a lawsuit or have your attorney share the merits of your case with the person or company who harmed you before they will offer a settlement. Often, legal counsels will recommend that you file a lawsuit against your insurance company for loss as well as punitive damages. But take heart! 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. Focus on the Familys counselors would be happy to listen to your concerns and come alongside you with some practical suggestions. Mystery, in the Christian faith, is not darkness but dazzling brightness. In this way we are within the nucleus of salvation. Matthew 5:41-42 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. This is a Trinitarian and Christological solidarity in which the absolute fullness of life is attained through death. The assistance that families give their sick relatives is important in this area. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. The meaning of suffering is to do good by one's suffering and to do good to those who suffer (cf, ibid.,n.30). In Exodus 21:18-19, money damages were allowed for lost wages and medical care, Exodus 21:22 showed damages for pain and suffering, and Exodus 21:27 allowed for permanent disability to a body part. Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? First, choose your state: . 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. Pope John Paul II states: "Suffering is something which is still wider than sickness", because there is a "distinction between physical suffering and moral suffering" (Salvifici Doloris, n. 5). It is a matter of a real vocation, especially when one is united to the Church with a Christian profession. Sally's per-diem is $80 x 30 days for a total of $2,400 for her pain and suffering. Those who have suffered tend not to judge others experiencing similar suffering. Suffering brings a "one day at a time-ness" to our survival. This means that pain and suffering is calculated over and above medical expenses at that rate. The pain and suffering amount should be fair and just in the light of the evidence. For Christians, it is important to have a Biblical view of why God allows suffering and how we are to go through it. Suffering is excellent at teaching us humble dependence on God, the only appropriate response to our Creator. That means the defendant must have: Owed a duty to you; An eternal God provides humans with an existence beyond the grave. They've lost track of history. Sometimes we hurt so much we can't pray. Suffering teaches us the difference between the important and the transient. I have been asked to expound on John Paul II's incomparable thinking on human pain. California, for example, limits non-economic damages such as pain and suffering to $250,000 in malpractice suits. If God ordained it, then perhaps we should endure it in full strength. He wanted them to grow in trust and dependence on the Father. Please try again later. "5 The reality of God's power, His love, and His character are made very, very real to a watching world when we trust Him in our pain. It's difficult to put a value on a person's mental and emotional well-being because it's purely subjective. This word pair names one of the most difficult problems facing Christian faith and practice today. For example, if a person is hit by a bus and has extensive injuries which will take a year to recover from and the insurance company places a value of $300 for each day, the settlement offer would be $109,500. 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. He notes from the outset that a misunderstanding of suffering can actually lead to the denial of God. You have firsthand experience of both his sustaining grace and his purposeful design. It depends upon whether you signed a valid binding arb agreement, that may have been given to you when you enrolled. Suffering Because of The Culture / Systems of the World. The Lord Jesus has His work cut out for Him in purifying us for Himself (Titus 2:14). The whole context of 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 deals with disputes in the church, but Paul does reference the court system when he speaks of judgments concerning things pertaining to this life. Prior to filing a lawsuit, a person should attempt to settle his claim before he files a lawsuit. Emotional and psychological trauma such as insomnia, fear, depressed mood, and anxiety. Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. We can comfort others with the comfort that we have received from God (2 Cor. *** b. a source of wealth to conquer in the name of one's ancestors. And from the Cross, not by virtue of the Cross but by virtue of the Father's omnipotence and the Spirit's solidarity and Love, the Incarnate Word recreates within us the authentic Adam, the man of truth, the model planned by God from all eternity so that we might be authentically human. Christians suffer for a variety of reasons, including many of the same . Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. If a Christian refuses to have the matter resolved by the church or by a Christian, then you can take him to court if he refuses to resolve the matter through the church or by a Christian. 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. . The reason His strength can shine through us is because we know God better through suffering. There is no such thing as pointless pain in the life of the child of God. The original version of this article is found at www.probe.org/the-value-of-suffering/. or the next hour . Searching the Internet for attorneys can produce too many results to manage, but you can look at your state bar website for attorney directories or referral services. God is teaching other beings about Himself and His loved onesusas He did with Job. The subjectiveness of the process underscores the importance of documenting any and all information pertaining to your case. Suffering reminds us that we live in an abnormal world. It can include: Physical pain. 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. It is thought that one of the reasons that medical insurance is so expensive is that there are so many people who sue for things that were never under anyones control or were not caused by one individuals negligence in the first place. It is stated in the Bible that a Christian is not prohibited from suing a company for the collection of a lawful debt, but this does not mean that a Christian should exercise this right to sue a company. Reveal number tel: (855) 637-2987 . There are better ways to handle disputes among believers. Past performance is not indicative of future results. ", Sometimes our suffering isn't a consequence of our actions or even someone else's. or the next few minutes." . Settlement could range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The average slip and fall settlement is between $15,000 and $45,000 for total damages. Injuries that arent physical still can bring large pain and suffering settlements, such as a wrongful termination that causes significant humiliation or depression. This is the central mystery of the entire Christian religion, not in the abstract nor in an immensely remote way, but in a closeness present in human history into whose temporal dimensions eternity bursts, through the historical Incarnation of the Word with his birth, life, passion, death and Resurrection. 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). Let's face it, left to ourselves we are a dirty, messy, fleshly people, and we desperately need to be made pure. 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. . ibid.,n. One of the counterintuitive truths about suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. Is it right for a Christian to sue? Does pain and suffering make up the biggest part of the settlement? Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. 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. Luke 14:31-32. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Sin can be eliminated through suffering itself in a very special context of solidarity. For example, in Florida, a Plaintiff can receive up to $1 million for non-monetary damages. 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). 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 simple answer is yessometimes. The fear that accompanies suffering drives us to the Father like a little kid burying his face in his daddy's leg. In this guide, well explain what pain and suffering is, review some pain and suffering settlement examples, and discuss everything you need to know about these settlements. Pastor Jack Hibbs explores answers to these questions. One of the counterintuitive truths about suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. Through all this I've been brought closer to God. You are learning both the tenderness and the clarity necessary to help sanctify another persons deepest distress. but God is everything. If someone is suing you for pain and suffering, then perhaps it is because they are experiencing financial hardship due to their own negligence or wrongdoing. When someone is injured by another person or business, there are two ways to approach the situation: suing or forgiving. Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragn, President of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, gave a lecture in July, in Aachen, Germany, on "Pain, an enigma or a mystery?". Recognizing our own powerlessness is actually the key to experience real power because we have to acknowledge our dependence on God before His power can flow from His heart into our lives. 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. Often times, yes. Either you have, you are, or you will through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). 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. 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.*. You can retain an attorney to send a demand letter and negotiate a settlement. If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer. The apostle Paul, on the other hand, said something that I believe is very important: Do not act out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). But many times, pain and suffering settlements are calculated using one of two formulas used by insurance companies. Suffering develops holiness in unholy people. . He goes on to say: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Home Family QAs Get Help Family Q&A Life Changes Q&As Christians and Lawsuits. Suffering makes us homesick for heaven. Be tolerant of one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against someone; just as the Lord has forgave you, you too should forgive each other (Colossians 3:13). Cheryl's in-laws, both beset by lingering illnesses, couldn't understand why they couldn't just die and get it over with. It is quite understandable that this would happen. According to another passage in Exodus, when a servants master knocked out his tooth by accident, the servant was allowed to go free. 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. When a member is hurting, the church applies the bandages; when a member is down, the church encourages; when a member is in need, the church comes alongside to help. In Matthew 5:25, Jesus tells us that. I got truth from studying, but I got to know the Savior through suffering. Feeling isolated is one of the hardest parts of suffering. I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). 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. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.. But just as sunlight pours through a window but is blocked by a wall, I discovered that other people could see God's strength and beauty in me because of the window-like nature of my weakness! The multiplier is chosen depending on factors such as: For example, if a person is involved in a car accident and suffers whiplash, a concussion, and a broken arm, their medical bills could total $5,000. Obviously, if a Christian is suing you, it would be preferable to work out some kind of arbitration, as described above. Tertullian said: "Credo quia ineptum".By experiencing relief from evil through suffering, and through that cruelest form of suffering which sums up all imaginable forms of suffering, the Cross, this "ineptum",becomes "aptum",the most just and rational that we can imagine, for it is the only way to experience happiness. When you use bleach to get rid of stains, it's a harsh process. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ( Revelation 21:4 ). It is far from easy to define the cause of suffering or of the evil connected with it. Three topics, among others, that the Pope addresses in his Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris with regard to suffering as a mystery are: "evil and suffering", "Christ takes on suffering", and "the value of human suffering". The Parable of the Good Samaritan corroborates what Christ said about the Last Judgment; "I was sick and you visited me". However, although God rejects this theory and approves Job's innocence his suffering remains a mystery: not all suffering is consequential to transgression, which is proof of Job's righteousness. Anywhere between $1 million to $1.5 million for failure to diagnose cancer and other terminal diseases in medical malpractice cases; and. And neither does it mean that Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now. In contrast to cold objectivity, however, it is something that indeed belongs to the objectivity of our being, but with the maximum loving subjectivity, since it is and depends upon our free will in such a way that we can accept or reject it. A good beginning point is in the psalms of lament. Pinterest. Many Christians wonder if it's okay to take medicine for the disease, illness, or other type of suffering God ordained. 3. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers' compensation claim. 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. 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. It feels like a warm blanket being draped around your soul. 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. Deprivation does not demand a positive cause but the search for its origin. He was completely dependent on the Father, choosing to become weak so that God's strength could shine through Him. One of the most rewarding reasons that suffering has value is experienced by those who can say with conviction, "I know how you feel. The Bible doesnt whitewash our experience of suffering by saying that its all of one stripe. It was the most horrible suffering we've ever known. Suffering is abnormalour souls protest, "This isn't right!" He never lost consciousness in the ambulance because he was too busy praying prayers of thanksgiving for his survival. 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 . It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.". 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. I would like to introduce you to the concept of Christian arbitration. 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. 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