Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that may develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a personal injury accident. Car accidents, electrocutions, and animal attacks, among other accidents, may cause victims to develop this disorder. PTSD can leave accident victims with long-term trauma that impacts their everyday lives. Unfortunately, PTSD is a silent illness, meaning symptoms may not arise until weeks or months after the accident.
If you are suffering from PTSD that resulted from another person’s negligent behavior, you do not need to suffer alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you collect compensation for your disorder so you can get the treatment you need to heal and recover.
Since June is PTSD Awareness Month, we have compiled some symptoms to look out for in yourself and those you love in the aftermath of an accident. Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Often, those who have PTSD may relive their accident or another traumatic event involuntarily. These experiences could include nightmares, flashbacks, and physical symptoms like pain or sweating. Re-experiencing is the most common symptom of PTSD and can cause extreme discomfort for those affected.
Many individuals who have PTSD tend to avoid or dull their emotions. Some people may try to avoid locations and people associated with the accident or numb their feelings by using drugs or alcohol. People living with PTSD may become withdrawn from others, trying to escape their emotions.
Someone who has PTSD may find it challenging to relax. They may sometimes act irritable or restless and may have trouble concentrating or falling asleep. The disorder and trauma from their accident may make people hyper-aware of real and perceived threats causing them to feel on edge.
When a person has PTSD, they may develop other mental health conditions. It is not uncommon for someone with PTSD to also suffer from depression, anxiety, and phobias. Sometimes the presence of these other conditions can make PTSD more challenging to diagnose.
Unfortunately, PTSD can affect a person’s physical health as well as their mental health. Individuals who have PTSD may also develop physical ailments. Many people diagnosed with PTSD experience headaches, chest pains, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Fortunately, the damages you can recover from a personal injury claim are not limited to physical injuries. You may be able to recover damages associated with PTSD, including:
If you are considering pursuing a personal injury claim for PTSD, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will review every detail of your case to determine the total value of your claim and the damages you may be eligible to collect.
A personal injury claim can be challenging to navigate on your own, especially if you have PTSD. If you have experienced trauma due to another person’s negligence, you should not be forced to finance your recovery. The first-class attorneys at Knutson + Casey have assisted thousands of clients and have decades of experience helping people like you collect the maximum amount of compensation available for their physical and emotional injuries. Our legal team is committed to making the claims process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your medical and emotional needs. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form today.