When accidents happen, injured parties will pursue the obvious damages for which they can get compensated. The most common damages that are pursued for personal injury claims are medical expenses for treating sustained injury, lost wages due to the number of missed work days, and repair costs for damage to property.

In most cases, the offended parties get caught up with filing for these tangible damages that they lose sight of the most essential aspect: the inner turmoil or emotional damage the accident has brought upon them.

A crossing pedestrian who was struck from behind by a speeding vehicle will automatically seek for injury claims to seek immediate treatment from a Brampton Physiocare and Wellness Clinic, but may not instantly check in with a psychiatrist to deal with the trauma that’s plaguing them after the accident. In other words, assessment and treatment of the mental effects of an accident isn’t at the forefront of people’s minds when asserting their injury claims.

Accidents induce trauma, which then results in emotional distress. A non-monetary damage that can affect a person’s daily life and bog down his recovery, emotional distress can be charged under personal injury claim. Emotional distress manifests through different health concerns including panic attacks, anxiety, and sleep loss.

It can also take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. Other signs of emotional distress are:

• Poor concentration
• Low mood
• Worrying more
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Tiredness/lack of energy
• Difficulty making decisions
• Feeling less interested in daily activities
• Talking less and avoiding social activities
• Irritability and short temper

The calculation of compensation for emotional distress can get complicated. And to receive the proper compensation a victim deserves, there should be solid proof of emotional distress. Below are common mental health issues that may develop following a traumatic accident:

1. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Among the most common mental health problems that affect people struck by a distressing event, PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event where a victim has difficulties coping. A person with PTSD finds it hard to process things right after the accident. The event becomes a recurring thought in the victim’s mind, eventually taking a toll on their ability to process it. Symptoms of PTSD are increased negative thoughts and depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g. alcohol or drug use).

2. Anxiety

Similar to depression, anxiety is also likely to develop in people after an accident. It may result in disruptive symptoms that can negatively affect a person’s day-to-day life. Experts associate anxiety with worried thoughts, feelings of tension, and increase in blood pressure.

3. Clinical Depression

In some cases, the initial signs of depression are difficult to spot but this mental illness has far-reaching effects to the life of a victim. Depression pertains to the overwhelming feeling of sadness, grief, and despair that doesn’t seem to disappear. Depression can drag on for weeks, months, and even years until its symptoms begin to affect a person’s quality of life.

The symptoms of depression are the following

• Feelings of guilt, worry, and helplessness
• Persistent sadness and grief
• Aches and pains
• Hopelessness
• Decreased energy levels
• Diminished interest in social activities
• Irritability
• Less interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite

The debilitating effects of an accident to a victim’s psychological wellness can be difficult to prove or diagnose. Many victims will detect the problem but get reluctant to seek help because of uncertainties, fear, or pride. This makes getting the right compensation an arduous job.

Seeking care is not only essential for your overall health, it’s also vital for documenting and linking an injury to the incident that triggered it. Assessments of a psychiatrist as well as medical records, therapy session notes, and prescriptions can help provide solid backup as a victim asserts their claim to rightful compensation.

If you or someone you know has sustained mental health trauma due to an accident, don’t hesitate to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Peterborough on how to file your claim. Skilled and experienced lawyers can walk you through the process and educate you on the legal actions you can pursue.

Have you or a loved one experienced mental health trauma due to an accident?

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