Could PTSD be important in determining car accident awards?
It is easy for people to focus on recovering from physical injuries after an accident. After all, there can be a recognized diagnosis for broken bones, damaged ligaments or tendons. But dealing with the emotional trauma from an accident may not be so easy to detect or treat.
Let’s face it, car accidents can be incredibly scary experiences; especially when the victim suffers serious injuries as a result. While the physical injuries may heal over time with treatment, the emotional ones may not; particularly when they are undiagnosed.
Indeed, we are not psychologists. But it is not uncommon for accident victims to experience episodes could be indicative of post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD, as it is commonly known, is a neurological condition that occurs after a particularly traumatic event. Symptoms may include severe anxiety (where a person may be unusually jumpy or react strongly to particular triggers), and depression (from believing that they can’t continue with life because of their injuries or not being able to deal with the loss of a loved one).
There is medical research indicating that a traumatic brain injury could lead to PTSD. This is an important consideration when calculating damages for a personal injury award. Essentially, calculating these damages may include costs for emotional rehabilitation or dealing with quality of life changes. Keep in mind, however, that PTSD can emerge from more than just brain injuries. Any physical injury can lead to PTSD.