After an accident, it’s easy to focus on physical injuries like broken bones or whiplash. However, traumatic incidents can also cause significant emotional and psychological harm. Mental ailments stemming from an accident can affect a person’s daily life just as seriously as physical injuries. In California, psychological injuries can be included in a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances. To better understand how these claims work and secure the help of a legal professional, read on and contact a skilled Contra Costa County injury lawyer today.

What Are Psychological Injuries?

A psychological injury refers to mental or emotional harm caused by a traumatic event such as a car accident, workplace incident, or violent encounter. Unlike physical injuries, psychological injuries affect mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning.

Common examples include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems and nightmares

These issues can significantly affect an individual’s daily life and ability to function. For example, suppose a man was involved in a serious car wreck where he was trapped inside the vehicle for an extended period of time. He sustained physical injuries, which healed over the following months. However, he developed PTSD from the incident, which includes symptoms like nightmares, unwanted flashbacks, hypervigilance, and a fear of being in or around cars. His psychological injury will impact his life in a variety of ways.

Can Psychological Injuries Be Included in a CA Injury Claim?

Yes, psychological injuries can be included in a personal injury claim in California. State law allows victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, while non-economic damages are intangible. This includes pain and suffering, such as emotional suffering and mental distress.

In order to recover compensation for psychological injuries, you must prove the following.

  • The defendant acted negligently or wrongfully
  • The defendant’s behavior directly led to the incident
  • The incident caused emotional or psychological harm
  • The harm has had a real impact on your life

Individuals suffering from psychological injuries may have financial losses from therapy sessions, diagnostic testing, medications, and loss of income, as well as other losses, such as loss of enjoyment of life. Psychological trauma can impact work performance, employment stability, personal relationships, sleep, and overall quality of life, so it is crucial that you understand how to establish liability and recover compensation.

You can prove your injuries through evidence such as medical records from therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, mental health evaluations, treatment plans, therapy notes, prescription records, and witness statements from friends, family, employers, and coworkers. A firsthand account of your experience can also demonstrate your experience, so keep a detailed journal during recovery.

For skilled legal advice and representation, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable attorney at O’Connor Law APC.