Can I Get Compensation for PTSD and Other Mental Health Issues After an Accident?

 Posted on January 13, 2020 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Being involved in a serious car accident or other injury-causing incident can leave both physical and mental scars. Experiencing the chaos and destruction caused by a major auto accident firsthand can be extremely shocking. Some car accident victims are even witness to the death or catastrophic injury of other individuals involved in the accident such as passengers or pedestrians. Needless to say, these mental images can haunt a person for years. Mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, phobias, and depression can be caused or worsened by a major accident. These injuries may not be observable in the way that a broken arm is evident, but they are just as real.

Signs of Psychological Distress After an Accident

While we often think about physical injuries when we think of the damage caused by major auto accidents, the psychological damage caused can often be just as distressing or even worse than the physical injuries. One mental condition that is especially common in accident victims is PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD may only become apparent weeks or months after the traumatizing event. They include but are not limited to:

• Nightmares
• Distressing flashbacks
• Headaches
• Chills
• Shaking
• Heart palpitations
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Mood swings and
• Difficulties completing daily living tasks or work-related tasks

If you have experienced these issues after a traumatizing event, speak with a mental health professional immediately.

Mental Health Issues and Personal Injury Claims

Just as a physical injury can reduce your ability to do your job, enjoy hobbies, or care for children, a serious mental health issue can dramatically reduce your quality of life. If the incident you were involved in was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. Mental health complications, especially those diagnosed by a doctor, can be included in the damages you receive in a personal injury lawsuit. However, proving these issues can sometimes be challenging, so it is best to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer if you wish to pursue compensation.

Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., our team understands the devastating mental and emotional damage that can be caused by a serious auto accident or other injury-casing incident. If you have been in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, we can help you explore your options for compensation. Through a personal injury claim, you may be reimbursed for doctor visits, prescription medication costs, pain and suffering, lost wages due to missed work, and more. Call our office at 847-662-3303 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a compassionate Waukegan personal injury attorney.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-symptoms-ptsd

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf