Personal injuries extend far beyond the physical realm and oftentimes these traumatic events can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress for the victims. In legal proceedings, it’s crucial to recognize and address the full extent of these non-physical injuries to ensure that injury victims receive just compensation for their suffering.
Psychological injuries include trauma and stress, with symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the traumatic event.
Furthermore, many claimants may develop depression and mood disorders after injury. Chronic pain, disability, and the disruption of daily life caused by personal injuries contribute to the development of these psychological disabilities. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest are common among injury victims.
Individuals who have experienced severe or life-threatening injuries may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or “PTSD,” with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviours, low mood, cognitive deficiencies, and heightened vigilance. PTSD can significantly impair a person’s ability to function and lead to long-term psychological consequences.
Finally, physical disfigurement, disability, and the inability to engage in activities once enjoyed can erode a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Victims of personal injury may struggle with body image issues, feelings of inadequacy, and social withdrawal as a result of their injuries.
In personal injury cases, claimants may be entitled to compensation for these psychological injuries. Courts have continuously recognized the significant impact that emotional and psychological injuries can have on a person’s life and will award damages accordingly.
However, it is not so simple to merely say you suffer from emotional trauma. Psychological injuries must be proven with evidence, which can be difficult as such injuries are often invisible. However, evidence such as medical records, psychiatric evaluations, testimony from mental health professionals, and even statements from friends and family can help establish the extent of these damages.
As a personal injury victim, it is imperative that you seek psychological treatment immediately following the loss event. Not only does doing so promote healing and recovery and show that you are trying to mitigate your damages, but it also strengthens your case for proving the value of such damages.
Ultimately, when pursuing a personal injury claim, it is essential to work with a legal team that understands the complexities of how physical, emotional, and psychological injuries interact. Experienced personal injury lawyers, such as those at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, can help ensure that all forms of damages, including psychological injury, are properly compensated.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact our team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP for a free consultation.