Car crashes, slip and falls, and other types of accidents can cause more than just physical damage. Although less visible, psychological injuries can be just as devastating as physical ones. Many people wonder whether they can be compensated for the psychological injuries they sustain in an accident or if they are limited only to physical harm. To learn more about your legal rights and options regarding compensation for your psychological injuries, reach out to an experienced Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation and schedule your free consultation today.
What Are Psychological Injuries?
Psychological injuries, often referred to as emotional or mental injuries, are conditions that develop after an accident or trauma and affect an individual’s mental health. Psychological injuries can manifest in a variety of forms, including anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and insomnia.
While mental injuries may not be as immediately noticeable or diagnosed as physical injuries, they can have severe and long-lasting effects on an individual’s daily life, relationships, and ability to work and function.
Symptoms that commonly affect individuals afflicted with psychological injuries include the following.
- Persistent sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Avoidant behaviors
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, so understanding your legal options is crucial.
Can I Be Compensated for Psychological Injuries After an Accident?
Yes, you can be compensated for psychological injuries that develop after an accident. If your accident and injuries were caused by another individual or entity’s negligence or reckless behavior, you can pursue legal action in the form of an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Through either of these options, you can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, emotional distress, and the development of psychological injuries, among other things.
Because psychological injuries can be challenging to identify and prove, proper documentation is crucial when seeking compensation. To ensure that you are adequately documenting your psychological injuries, consider the following important steps.
- Seek professional help from psychologists or other mental health professionals who can diagnose you and create a record of your ailments
- Keep a record of your symptoms and the way that your daily life has been impacted by your psychological injuries
- Keep a detailed record of the treatment and therapy you receive, including counseling, medication, and other services
- Obtain statements from family, friends, employers, and others close to you who can provide insight into how your behavior and relationships have been affected by the injury
- Get expert testimony from medical and mental professionals who can speak to the extent of your injuries and the possible long-term effects you will experience
- Keep a record of all financial losses associated with your psychological injuries like doctor co-pays, medication, therapy sessions, lost wages, etc.
The most important thing you can do to protect your right to compensation is to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer. Speak with an experienced attorney at Sahadi Legal Group today for more information.
