How Serious Injuries Affect Mental Health

The term “pain and suffering” in personal injury cases refers to the combination of emotional and physical pain suffered by victim as a result of an accident and the victim’s injuries. One of the most difficult injuries to prove in a court of law to insurance companies is emotional distress. Physical injuries are obvious, such as a broken arm or leg in which an x-ray verifies the injury. However, mental injuries that victims sustain after traumatic events such as car crashes or other violent episodes are more difficult to prove.

Traumatic events occur on a daily basis – everything from serious car crashes to assaults. After any type of traumatic incident, the natural response of a human being is to be upset and afraid. However, it is abnormal if these emotions persist months later. Individuals who continually feel the impact of a previous traumatic event with regard to their feelings, mood, thoughts, and ability to perform basic daily functions may be suffering from an emotional or mental illness.

Mental health conditions resulting from serious accidents and injuries

Mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, can significantly impact an individual’s life. People subjected to traumatic events are more likely to suffer PTSD than any other type of mental condition.

PTSD often occurs when a person lives through a dangerous or frightening event that results in severe injuries or the death of others. In car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents, various individuals, such as the passengers, the driver, pedestrians, or other observers may be severely affected mentally and emotionally by what they have witnessed. PTSD sufferers generally do not recover quickly from the natural emotions of feeling fearful and distraught after a shocking incident. Their symptoms continue to persist for months and years.

Substantiating a claim for mental health damages

In order to pursue compensation for damages involving mental or emotional distress and injuries resulting from a personal injury, it is necessary to prove that you have such injuries and quantify the consequences of those injuries on your life. Simply stating that you have suffered emotional or mental distress will not substantiate your claim in court.

An insurance company will not pay you for injuries you claim to have but are unable to prove. So, how can you substantiate that you are suffering from anxiety, fear, nightmares, and other symptoms that prevent you from being able to function normally as you did before the traumatic occurrence? You must obtain a professional medical and/or mental evaluation and diagnosis of your injuries. In addition, maintaining a daily journal about the impact of the symptoms of your injuries upon your daily life can help you substantiate your claim.

If you have injuries resulting from the actions of the negligent party that include mental and emotional pain and suffering, our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys at Cunningham & Mears can help you pursue the compensation you are owed. To arrange a free consultation about your case, call us today at 405.451.4029 or complete our contact form.