After being involved in an accident, a person might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the experience, for which he or she can potentially receive compensation. Given that PTSD is a complex psychological disorder, expert testimony will be a crucial part in proving this type of claim.
What is PTSD?
PTSD has numerous symptoms that can affect a person’s quality of life.
Some of the most prominent symptoms of PTSD include:
- Emotional: PTSD can affect a person on an emotional level, resulting in emotional detachment, loss of enjoyment when partaking in activities he or she previously enjoyed, depression, amplified reactions, anxiety, unwanted thought, shame, loneliness, and guilt.
- Psychological: Of course, given that PTSD is a psychological disorder, it can affect a person on a psychological level, causing feelings of mistrust, flashbacks of the event, debilitating anxiety, and fear. For example, if the injured person was involved in a car wreck, he or she might be afraid to ride in a car again after the accident.
- Behavioral: Lastly, PTSD affects victims on a behavioral level. Someone with PTSD might be anti-social, agitated, easily irritable, hostile, or engage in hostile or aggressive behaviors.
Treatment for PTSD will greatly depend on the specific symptoms one is suffering from and how severe the condition is. Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy might all be helpful for an individual suffering from PTSD.
The Importance of Expert Testimony in a PTSD Claim
Having an experienced attorney on your side will also give you access to resources you might not otherwise have, such as expert witnesses. An expert witness will use his her qualifications to testify to the nature, symptoms, and signs of PTSD and whether you are exhibiting them. This might include:
- A traumatic event
- Recurring thoughts regarding the vent
- Avoiding other place or people that might trigger thoughts about the traumatic event
- Anxiety symptoms, such as hyperactivity or insomnia
- Disruption in various areas of the individual’s life and relationships
Recovering Damages in a PTSD Claim
If your PTSD was caused by another person’s negligence, you might be able to recover compensation, which could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Medical expenses
- Mental trauma
Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney Today!
Are you suffering from PTSD? If it was caused by an event that was another party’s fault, you might be eligible for compensation. The legal team at the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli will be able to provide the fierce legal representation you deserve to hold the responsible party liable for their actions.
Call our office today at (516) 628-6402 to schedule a complimentary and confidential case review.