What Are Emotional Damages in a California Car Accident Claim?
If you have experienced a serious car accident, you may have to receive extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. While physical injuries require immediate care, the emotional damages of a severe car accident can be lasting and can impact a victim’s wellbeing long-term.
If you sustained substantial injuries, chances are you will also have to navigate the reoccurring psychological damages that result from such trauma. The sooner you get medical care, the sooner you may recover physically. But it is common for psychological issues to progress and even intensify despite your physical healing. While this may come as a surprise, it is a normal part of the healing process and should be taken seriously.
If you have been dangerously injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, emotional damages are part of your claim. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer for guidance regarding your injury.
What Emotional Damages Can Occur from Car Accident Injuries in California?
There are various injuries that occur from a car accident that can result in lasting emotional damage for the victim. Even if there is not a physical injury, emotional damages can negatively impact a victim’s life. The types of injuries that can produce psychological damages include:
Physical Pain
Car accidents can cause chronic pain. Victims have to live with constant pain every day and may not enjoy life as they did before the accident. This can lead to depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Disfigurement and scarring cause a change in physical appearance for the victim, usually resulting from injuries related to burns, lacerations, or severe external injuries. Disfigurement and scarring can cause depression and anxiety.
Impairments and Disabilities
Physical injuries can cause various impairments, such as a permanent limp or having to depend on a wheelchair for mobility. If you endure a physical injury to the head or brain, there may be “invisible” problems that can impact your ability to work or keep a job. Severe injuries that cause impairments and disabilities may also require round-the-clock care and support from loved ones. This can cause emotional distress from financial instability and dependence on others.
Physical injuries can cause various mental health conditions post-accident. These types of injuries are overlooked but can have a detrimental impact on a victim’s daily life.
If you have been injured in a dangerous accident because of the actions of another negligent driver, speak with a California car accident lawyer for an assessment of your claim.
What Is a Mental Health Condition That Constitutes Emotional Damage?
A type of mental health condition that constitutes pain and suffering for the victim is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It develops after a serious, traumatic event in which the victim endures physical injuries or emotional trauma. Car accidents can be devastating and overwhelming. About 22.25% of car accident victims suffer from PTSD in the US. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can have a variety of symptoms, including:
- Nightmares and/or mentally reliving the events of the accident repeatedly
- Negative thoughts and feelings
- Avoiding reminders and thoughts of the accident
- Intrusive thoughts
- Reactive symptoms such as being easily startled or having angry outbursts
In severe car accidents, victims can suffer from a multitude of mental health conditions post-accident. Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders are most common. These psychological damages impede on a victim’s ability to work and can negatively affect their personal life. A treatment plan that includes extensive sessions with a licensed therapist following the accident is a must to deal with mental health conditions.
If you have endured injuries in an accident because of someone else’s actions, you may be able to acquire compensation for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and therapy. Consult with a skilled California car accident lawyer to achieve the best outcome possible.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
When you are suffering from immense pain and injuries after a car accident, just the thought of recovery can be overwhelming. Having to experience psychological pain and suffering can make it all the more challenging to pursue compensation for your injuries. Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. has over 25 years of experience in helping victims get the compensation they deserve for emotional and physical damages.
Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. has the experience and resources to handle complex claims involving emotional damages. We are dedicated to helping you receive maximum compensation so that you can attain the best possible outcome in your recovery. Don’t delay. Call our experienced attorneys at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form today.
