When you are involved in an accident, whether you are struck by a negligent driver or you slip and fall in a supermarket, the physical injuries you’ve sustained may heal over time, but the emotional impact of the accident can last long after your scars have faded. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these incidents, victims can be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental condition that can significantly impact your life. As such, it’s important to understand your legal options if you have been diagnosed with this condition and suffered as a result. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Contra Costa County injury lawyer to help you fight for the best outcome for your circumstances.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that is often the result of an experience that is incredibly stressful or harrowing, and can impact both those who have lived through the experience or witnessed it occur. Common events that can lead to this diagnosis include, but are not limited to, abuse, accidents, illnesses, war/combat, and natural disasters.

While the symptoms of PTSD can appear immediately following an event, for someone to be diagnosed with this condition, the symptoms must continue for more than a month and show a considerable impact on the victim’s life or result in distress. Common symptoms include, but are by no means limited to, the following:

  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Memories of the event
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Avoiding things or places that remind you of the event
  • Guilt
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeats, or rapid breathing

How Do I Prove My Damages?

Unfortunately, this condition can have a significant impact on the life of the victim, making it difficult to maintain a normal relationship, employment, or even enjoy life. As such, you are eligible to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Typically, damages are either economic, meaning they have an attached and easily calculable value, like hospital bills or lost wages, or they are non-economic, meaning they are subjective and difficult to value. Seeking compensation for PTSD would generally fall under the non-economic damage category.

It can be incredibly difficult to value the impact of non-economic damages, which is why it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney to help you navigate this process. Your attorney can assist you in gathering evidence, like journal injuries, medical reports, statements from friends and family, and records from sessions with your counselor can help show the impact that the accident and your subsequent PTSD have had on your life.

Navigating a personal injury while fighting for the justice you deserve can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with O’Connor Law, APC. Our firm understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are here to guide you through the process while helping you in the fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Connect with us today to learn more.