If you are involved in an accident, the physical injuries can be quite extensive. A personal injury attorney will calculate those injuries to determine a fair settlement amount. However, emotional injuries can be just as devastating. In some cases, the emotional damage may last much longer, and depending on the severity of the accident, the emotional scars may never go away. If you need a personal injury attorney, count on the professionals at Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. Our skilled set of attorneys can help you get the settlement you are entitled to if you have suffered emotional damages following an accident. They will make sure every aspect of your case is taken into consideration.
What Is Mental and Emotional Damage?
The emotional damage that results from an accident can cause a long list of problems, such as mental distress, fear, anger, and shock. There may be other mild symptoms, such as loss of appetite, mood swings, and even sleep disturbances. In some cases, the mental and emotional damage can be severe. It is not uncommon for certain accidents to cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Is PTSD After a Car Accident?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a serious mental health condition that can prove debilitating for some individuals. It is generally triggered by some sort of traumatic event. It can be caused after being involved in the incident or even just witnessing it.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD after a car accident include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Recurring nightmares
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Feeling detached
- Feelings of irritability
- Aggressive behavior
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty sleeping
PTSD can have devastating consequences and complications. Untreated PTSD may lead to depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. In many instances, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause long-term health concerns, making it difficult to continue with your normal daily activities.
If you suffer from emotional damages, such as PTSD, due to an accident, you should seek out the assistance of a personal injury attorney. The skilled attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
How Calculations Are Made
Insurance companies and juries will often take emotional damage into account if the injuries are in proportion with the physical injuries. For example, if you only had a mere fender bender that resulted in little more than a strained neck, you will likely not be able to claim mental stress.
If someone suffers from extensive emotional damages following an accident, they may have trouble returning to the life they had prior to the accident. This could affect their social life and future physical health. In addition, some with PTSD may require extensive therapy and may have to put off going back to work. This can put them in a great financial pit by having to fork over bills for therapy sessions while also having lost wages.
Contact Our Office to Speak with an Attorney
While emotional damages can cause harm, they often don’t play a huge role in determining compensation. This is where a good attorney comes into play. A skilled personal injury attorney may be able to sway a jury or insurance company to increase your settlement.
If you are involved in an accident and suffer from emotional injuries, call on the professionals at Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. Our attorneys possess the skills and experience to help you get the settlement you deserve for your suffering. Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
