Sustaining a psychological trauma following a severe accident or injury is quite common. Mental health conditions and emotional distress can seriously affect the victim’s quality of life. Thus, finding effective medical treatment to fight the mental anguish related to such emotional injuries is necessary.
Seeking expert help for emotional trauma following an accident comes with expensive medical bills. Thankfully, Utah accident attorneys can help victims get the assistance they need, so they can secure compensation for their damages. Understanding the claim process can help the victim and their family to get the treatment they need.
Emotional Problems Victims Can Experience After an Accident
After a serious accident, victims may sustain any of the following emotional issues:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This serious condition can develop after an accident and other traumatic events. Its symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, and serious anxiety associated with the incident. Those who have this condition may avoid instances that remind them of the accident. Also, the victim can become startled easily. Usually, PTSD requires professional treatment like therapy and medication to manage the symptoms and enhance the victim’s quality of life.
- Anxiety disorders. Anxiety can manifest a constant fear, worry, or panic attacks. Because of the intense state of alertness, a victim may not be able to concentrate, enjoy daily activities, or relax. Common triggers include reminders of an accident or the recurrence of fear. Often, it is treated with medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy to effectively manage the symptoms.
- Sleep disorders. Accidents can result in sleep disorders that can disrupt regular sleep patterns. These disorders include insomnia or difficulty falling or staying asleep. Also, insomnia can manifest as frequent nightmares that cause sleep interruptions. Lack of quality sleep can aggravate other emotional problems and hinder recovery. Usually, sleep disorders are addressed by creating and sticking to a bedtime routine, utilizing prescribed sleep aids, and seeking therapy.
- Depression. Depression following an accident can result in feelings of deep sadness, a loss of interest in daily activities, and hopelessness. This can impact the victim’s ability to socialize, work, and carry out everyday tasks. Also, depression can result in physical symptoms such as appetite changes and fatigue. Professional treatment like medication and therapy is usually necessary to control and relieve depression.
- Suicidal tendencies. In serious cases, emotional trauma that results from an accident can result in suicidal tendencies. The victim can think of harming themselves or taking their own. These feelings must not be taken lightly and professional help must be sought. Support from loved ones and friends, together with professional therapy and medication can offer assistance to navigate such moments and seek recovery.
Seeking Compensation for Emotional Trauma After an Accident
Experiencing emotional damages following an accident can be challenging. However, an accident attorney can help victims navigate the legal process to get compensation. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Prove emotional damages. An accident attorney can collect evidence for the client to prove their emotional damages. This evidence includes therapy records that document their diagnosis and treatment and mental health expert testimony.
- Calculate compensation. An attorney will make sure a victim gets compensated for all their damages including emotional damages. They will factor in pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and future medical costs when calculating the compensation that the victim deserves to get.
- Negotiate with insurers. Usually, insurers reduce payouts for emotional damages. An attorney can negotiate with an insurance adjuster to make sure their client gets the full compensation they are entitled to.
- Offer representation in court. If an attorney and other party cannot agree on a fair settlement, the latter can represent the client in court. If the case is brought to court, the attorney will present it to a judge or jury, with strong evidence and expert testimony. They will show the effect of the accident on the victim’s emotional well-being.
