It might not seem like it, but PTSD can play a significant role in any personal injury claim following an accident or incident. Here is how PTSD can affect a claim and how a personal injury lawyer can use it for your case.
What Is PTSD In Relation To An Injury Lawyer’s Case?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, PTSD is a mental condition in which a person that is exposed to a traumatic situation (such as death, the threat of death, serious injury or violence) spirals into serious problems, such as depression, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts and physical health issues.
PTSD is not evident immediately after the event, but instead occurs months or years afterwards. Victims can experience a range of emotional feelings that can severely affect a person’s life. It can include any of the following:
- Anxiety and stress if the incident occurs again
- Feelings of anger and frustrated at what transpired
- Difficult sleeping and restlessness
- Episodic flashbacks to what happened and thinking about it often
- Cognitive baggage surrounding the event
- Strain on interpersonal relationships
However, being diagnosed with PTSD means having to visit a therapist or psychologist, who will guide you through a process to determine if you indeed have the disorder.
How Does It Affect Your Personal Injury Claim?
Being struck down with PTSD means you could miss out from work, struggle with everyday activities, require physical or mental therapy to recover from the incident or force you to stop working. Therefore, you will be entitled to seek compensation for the accident, as the PTSD has affected your life in a damaging manner.
How Does It Work With Personal Injury Lawyers?
This is where personal injury lawyers have to come into the fold to make sure their clients have an established case. The lawyer will look to an expert witness to testify (such as the therapist or psychologist) that the victim is indeed affected by the incident and has PTSD. Although the expert might explain in depth why the victim has PTSD, and how the accident was the cause of it, it might not be enough for a full case. Therefore, Calgary injury lawyers will get witnesses to provide further examples of the victim’s fall into PTSD and how it is affecting their everyday.
If you suspect that you could be affected by PTSD caused by an accident or incident, reach out to a Calgary injury lawyer today.
If you need help collecting compensation for an injury you’ve suffered be sure to contact Edwards Injury Law. Edwards Injury Law has successfully fought for the injured for over 25 years. Move forward with dedicated help from a personal injury lawyer, contact us today if you or someone you know has been in an accident or injured.
