Compensation for PTSD after an Accident in Indiana
As seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, we are accustomed to helping accident victims with their physical injuries. For example, we can fight for compensation to cover the cost of surgery and rehabilitation, along with replacing any wages lost as you recover at home or in the hospital. But some accidents are so traumatic that a person can suffer serious psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although PTSD is often associated with war and natural disasters, a surprisingly-high number of people can suffer PTSD after an accident in Indiana, like a car crash or dog bite attack.
What is PTSD?
According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental condition triggered by a traumatic event. The most common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks to the event
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event
- Anxiety
- Avoidance behaviors
Many people experience these symptoms following a disturbing event, like a car accident. However, they slowly get better as the person begins to cope and integrate the traumatic event into their memories.
When a victim suffers from PTSD after an accident in Indiana, they can experience symptoms for months and years. The symptoms also begin to interfere with daily life. Avoidance behaviors can become particularly problematic. For example, a person might avoid getting into a car following a wreck or develop a fear of all dogs after being bitten.
How Common is PTSD After an Accident in Indiana?
Very common. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 39% of people who survive a car accident suffer from symptoms of PTSD after the accident in Indiana. The most likely predictor was a belief that the motorist’s life was in danger during the crash. Those who survive a violent dog attack are also at risk of experiencing PTSD.
Even if you do not receive a clinical diagnosis for this disorder, you still might be suffering from severe emotional distress, such as depression. All forms of emotional distress are serious and should be talked about with your attorney.
What Compensation Can You Receive for PTSD?
Those who experienced PTSD after an accident in Indiana are eligible to receive compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- The cost of treatment. You might undergo therapy or take prescription drugs to manage your PTSD. This costs money. You can also receive compensation to cover the cost of treating any physical injuries.
- Lost income, if your PTSD prevents you from working. Nobody should lose out on income when someone else is to blame for the accident that injured them.
- Emotional distress. Our personal injury clients are also eligible for money to try and make up for the distress itself. This is different than compensating for the cost of treating PTSD. A jury will use its experience to estimate how much money can “make up” for severe emotional distress following an accident.
Every case is different, and we cannot say ahead of time how much compensation you might qualify for. However, an attorney can review your case to see how much you might receive.
Experiencing PTSD after an Accident in Indiana?
Our Indiana personal injury lawyers have helped countless clients through this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call us today at 317-857-0160 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
