Mental Injuries in Your California Personal Injury Case

 Posted on January 14, 2020 in Personal Injury

Many people do not realize that many physical injuries also cause serious mental injuries. A person who is involved in a brutal car accident may experience extreme anxiety and fear for months or even years after the accident. An individual who is hurt in an attack caused by negligent security may experience flashbacks and nightmares of the incident that leave him or her unable to live a normal life. If you have been involved in a serious accident and are now suffering psychological symptoms as a result, you may be able to get compensation for these mental injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

One of the most common types of mental injuries that a person involved in an injury-causing incident can develop is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, insomnia, problems with concentration, being easily startled, and more. A person suffering from PTSD may go out of his or her way to avoid activities or places that remind him or her of the traumatic experience. Someone involved in a car accident may find it hard to even ride in a vehicle let alone drive after the incident. The symptoms of PTSD can dramatically affect a person’s ability to function normally.

Proving Mental Pain and Suffering

Unlike most physical injuries, a mental injury is not obviously evident. It can be challenging to prove the extent of mental anguish a person suffers because of an accident. Getting a formal diagnosis from a mental professional can significantly strengthen your case. If you have experienced stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms after an accident caused by another’s negligence, you may be able to get compensation for these symptoms. A personal injury lawyer experienced in pursuing noneconomic damages such as these is essential in bringing a personal injury claim.

Contact a Santa Clara Personal Injury Attorney

When another party’s negligence or wrongdoing causes you to suffer, the party should be held accountable for its actions. Whether you have been in a car crash, workplace accident, or another traumatic incident, you deserve to get the compensation you need. Contact a San Jose personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of John J. Garvey, III to discuss your legal options. Call us at 408-293-7777 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sources:

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms

https://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/documents/Judicial_Council_of_California_Civil_Jury_Instructions.pdf