28 May How PTSD Affects Injury Claims and Lawsuits
PTSD is experienced by about 5% or roughly 13 million Americans. An individual who is exposed to or has witnessed a traumatic incident can develop a condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Contributing incidents can include sexual violence, physical abuse, natural disasters, or serious accidents.
PTSD lawyer Jeffrey D. Wolf recommends that if an individual has PTSD, it is important to call a medical professional to testify regarding the diagnosis of the disorder and the future treatment required to treat the patient.
Psychological trauma, as is the case with physical injuries, can impact personal injury claims and lawsuits. The adverse effects of PTSD are acknowledged by courts and insurance companies.
This article will explore how PTSD is evaluated in personal injury cases and the steps you can take to strengthen your claim.
Understanding PTSD and Its Symptoms
During times of trauma, you can have so many feelings intensified suddenly. Some of these feelings may eventually grow into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The common signs of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and really tense anxiousness. You will tend to avoid anything reminding you of the trauma or feel absolute numbness.
Irritability, lack of ability to concentrate, and startled reactions are other symptoms. You may find it difficult to connect and end up making things worse in some of your relationships.
These symptoms together can just be more than the simple coping mechanisms you have to deal with everyday experiences. Knowing signs of PTSD will help you take steps to get assistance for yourself.
The Impact of PTSD on Daily Life
PTSD can greatly affect a person’s daily routines. Regular tasks can become difficult, resulting in the loss of quality of life. A person’s concentration is also compromised, leading to problems on the job or at school.
Social activities can make people with PTSD feel isolated and estranged. It can result in increased irritability and unpredictable moodiness. These hostile emotions make it difficult to maintain social relationships.
Anxiety attacks can happen to people who have PTSD when they are grocery shopping or commuting to work. PTSD can also result in an increase in fatigue and disrupt normal sleeping patterns. Insufficient sleep can affect normal bodily functions.
Coping strategies like avoidance can give temporary relief. Unfortunately, this kind of strategy can land the person in isolation.
Legal Considerations for PTSD in Injury Claims
Familiarity with the legalities of PTSD can help you deal with personal injury claims. A direct link between the traumatic event and your diagnosis of PTSD should be established. You can prove this link by showing medical records and expert testimony.
See to it that you show how the condition affects your daily living. You can build a strong case as long as you are able to present the harmful effects of PTSD on your life. Keep in mind that state laws governing PTSD and its relation to injury claims and lawsuits can vary.
Expect insurance companies to contest your claims. You can counter the actions of insurance companies by having a detailed record and a sound legal footing. A skilled attorney can easily address PTSD-related legal intricacies.
Evaluating Compensation for Psychological Trauma
Knowing how to evaluate compensation for psychological trauma can make or break your injury claim.
Get a fair assessment by documenting your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Relevant medical records, therapy notes, and expert opinions should be collected. These documents will support your diagnosis and treatment.
Compute any lost wages resulting from your condition. Don’t forget to account for additional expenses for therapy or medications.
Steps to Take When Filing a Claim for PTSD-related Injuries
There are precise steps to follow to have a strong and well-organized claim for injuries related to PTSD.
Collect all the necessary medical records indicating diagnosis and treatment. Gather any documents, such as witness statements or police reports, that may connect the PTSD with the incident in question.
Maintain a detailed account of your PTSD symptoms and how it changed your life. Creating a journal that details your life after being diagnosed with PTSD is a clear way to demonstrate the changes you’ve gone through. Asking legal assistance from a qualified lawyer can help support your claim.
Research the legal requirements, learn how to present your case, and prepare for bargaining, as insurance companies look for ways to reduce your claim.
Keep yourself updated with any changes that can affect the claims process. Be proactive when pursuing your claim to have a higher likelihood of success.
Editor’s note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
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More information:
- VA Telehealth for PTSD
https://telehealth.va.gov/ - Hoskins M, et al. (2021) – Pharmacotherapy for PTSD: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25644881/
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Last Updated on May 28, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
