Can I Receive Compensation for PTSD After an Illinois Car Accident?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

June is National PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is defined as a mental health condition in which an individual has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Examples of incidents that can cause PTSD include pedestrian or vehicle accidents, assault and battery, death of a loved one, and more. Statistics show that roughly one in five survivors of traffic collisions suffered from PTSD in 2018. In some situations, the negligent actions of another motorist may cause a car accident with injuries. Occupants can sustain minor bumps and bruises, or they can suffer serious to fatal injuries depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Typical Symptoms of PTSD

The signs and symptoms of PTSD may not surface until weeks or months after the accident. In many cases, certain things can trigger or enhance the anxiety a car crash victim is already feeling after the accident. The sound of screeching tires, emergency sirens, or horns blaring may cause a victim to have a panic attack. He or she may be afraid to travel in a car either as a passenger or a driver. The condition can be debilitating, to the point where it interferes with work or family duties.

Below are a few of the most common symptoms of someone with PTSD may experience:

• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• Irritability or anger toward others
• Physical reactions to reminders of the trauma
• Recurring nightmares or flashbacks
• Self-destructive behaviors (alcohol or drug abuse)
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Feeling emotionally detached from friends and relatives
• Avoidance of places that are reminders of the event
• Difficulty concentrating

It is important to note that if symptoms worsen over time and feelings of despair turn to suicidal thoughts, PTSD sufferers should seek medical attention by talking to a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

Emotional Distress

Illinois law allows for the recovery of emotional damages. When another party’s negligence inflicts physical injury, any mental conditions that accompany the injury may also be included as part of the personal injury claim. PTSD can also be classified as “emotional distress.” In certain circumstances, a person can recover damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress even if he or she has no physical injuries.

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

An auto accident can leave passengers with not only physical injuries but emotional ones as well. In some cases, mental scars can take much longer to heal than broken bones. Issa Law, LLC, has more than 10 years of experience in resolving personal injury and criminal matters. Our qualified and dedicated Orland Park, IL car accident attorneys will carefully review the circumstances that led to your collision to determine liability. You may be entitled to compensation if you are suffering from PTSD and can no longer work. Learn more by calling our office today at 708-966-2408 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779792/