Mental health after an accident should be a major consideration for any injured victim, but psychological health is often overlooked or minimized in Georgia injury claims. Overall, the stigma associated with mental health remains prevalent. Public and self-stigma can lead to a reluctance to seek the necessary treatment.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it is crucial that your mental health is not overlooked as it can be a vital part of your recovery. What is the cost of your mental health following a car accident, and how does your psychological recovery factor into your personal injury claim?
Mental Health Symptoms After a Car Accident
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident is common, but many people do not recognize their symptoms as something serious. The following symptoms are common after traumatic events:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Anger
- Preoccupation with the event
- Depression
Some people only associate PTSD with events like war, physical abuse, or assault, but that perspective is severely limiting to the full impact that traumatic events have on an individual’s life. Trauma can occur as an emotional response to any number of events, including:
- A natural disaster
- The death of a family member
- A car accident
- Medical negligence
- Witnessing a crime
- Emotional or verbal abuse
PTSD after car accidents is something to consider in personal injury claims because this condition may require therapy or other ongoing treatment.
Calculating the Cost of Mental Health Following a Car Accident
Recovering damages for the full impact of the accident means that all your injuries must be included, both physical and psychological. Mental health may be included in your request for economic and non-economic damages.
Mental Health as an Economic Damage
Economic or special damages are relatively simple to determine because they include the expenses and costs associated with your injuries. For mental health, these damages could include the following:
- Missed work and lost income
- Therapy appointment expenses
- Medication costs
Mental Health as a Non-Economic Damage
Non-economic damages are also referred to as general damages in Georgia. These are not as easily valued because they are subjective; everyone experiences the harm included in non-economic damages differently. PTSD and other mental health concerns after an accident would fall into the category of pain and suffering.
Because psychological conditions are often invisible illnesses, accident victims struggling with their mental health may experience judgment and a lack of understanding about their symptoms.
Compassion and Support from an Experienced Atlanta Injury Attorney
Having a personal injury lawyer you can trust to advocate for your best interests is especially vital when you are experiencing PTSD or another mental health concern. The attorneys at Flanagan Law understand how frightening it can be to face the legal process and your recovery journey alone. That’s why we support our clients every step of the way, making sure they receive the best possible outcome.
Contact Flanagan Law today to schedule a free consultation.