Psychological Injury
Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress [Psychological Injury]
Psychological Injury – Post Traumatic Stress following a frightening accident or emotional dysfunction often times psychological injuries can arise as a result of an injury, either directly, as in the case of a brain injury, or psychological injuries can arise indirectly, in the weeks, months and even years following an accident as a result of the loss of enjoyment of life or inability to return to normal functioning as a result of ongoing limitations from physical injuries. Regardless of the reason, if you suffer from a psychological condition that was caused by someone else’s negligence, or if you had an existing psychological condition that was made worse by an accident, you may be entitled to compensation in the same way you would for physical injuries.
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) depression, and/or anxiety, are common psychological conditions that can manifest following a traumatic experience.
Typical symptoms of depression often include feelings of hopelessness, lack of self worth and/or thoughts of suicide.
Depression is quite often is associated and brought on by an injury. Depressive symptoms often occur when people suffering from injuries are unable to work, participate and socialize in their regular recreational activities. As well, chronic physical pain often results in poor sleep patterns, which can lead to depression. When psychological injuries arise in conjunction with long lasting physical pain, a person may develop what is referred to as “chronic pain syndrome.”
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often manifest as flashbacks, nightmares of the traumatic event and the avoidance of people, places or experiences, which can remind you of your trauma. Your psychological injury may cause trouble sleeping or concentrating, and be easily startled.
Symptoms of psychological injury
Symptoms of psychological injury anxiety include chronic debilitating worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and muscle tension, and in some cases, panic attacks. Anxiety symptoms may be situational, which in the case of an accident victim might mean they occur when the person passes by the place where their accident happened, or being in a car or other situation that reminds the victim of the accident.
Often, psychological injuries require long term treatment, psychological counseling, therapy and medication. Depression that occurs in conjunction with chronic physical pain can lead to a cycle of symptoms that can be very difficult to treat.
Psychological Injury subjective nature and their conditions as well as relative social stigma have led to skepticism about the authenticity of psychological injuries resulting from trauma. Compensation for psychological injuries resulting from negligence is a fairly new concept in Canadian law. Improved medical assessment and research on the economic and physical health consequences of psychological illnesses has resulted in increased compensation.
Buckley & Company have handled many personal injury claims involving all types of psychological injury situations
A case involving psychological injuries can be difficult to prove and complex, especially if the individual bringing the claim has been treated for depression or anxiety prior to their accident, no matter how briefly or remotely in time. Buckley & Company have handled many personal injury claims involving all types of psychological injuries. We have access to experts in the field of psychology and psychiatry who can provide medical evidence to support your claim and help us maximize your compensation.
