Can I Be Compensated For PTSD From My St. Petersburg Accident?
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
A St. Petersburg accident can leave you with many injuries. Some are visible like bruising, broken bones, and lacerations. While some are invisible like whiplash, slipped discs, and traumatic brain injury. One of the most invisible but devastating injuries you can get from an accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychological disorder that can develop after a traumatic injury. As a psychological disorder, many accident victims wonder if it counts as a medical condition and if they can receive compensation for PTSD.What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a disorder that can develop after a traumatic incident. PTSD is unique for every person, so it has a range of symptoms unique to the individual. However, there are some commonly shared symptoms including:
● Anxiety and agitation
● Irritability and hostility
● Hypervigilance
● Flashbacks
● Insomnia and sleep disturbances
● Emotional detachment
Other symptoms are harder to pinpoint. Sometimes accident victims will struggle with talking about the experience. They may also avoid things that remind them of the experience. For example, auto accident victims may avoid riding in vehicles or driving because it reminds them of their crash.
PTSD Is A Very Serious Condition
PTSD is classified in the DSM 5 as a serious mental disorder. When left untreated, PTSD has serious long-term impacts that can risk the life of the person. People with untreated PTSD often:
● Engage in substance abuse or self-harm to reduce the anxiety
● Develop anger control and management issuers
● Have severe depression that can lead to suicidal ideations
They can also develop physical health problems as a result of the anxiety in the body. As PTSD is so serious, Florida law allows for compensation for PTSD from an accident.
How To File A Claim For PTSD
Filing a claim for PTSD is similar to filing a claim for any medical injury. You will file the claim with the insurance company typically through a qualified accident attorney. First, you will need to prove that you have PTSD with proof of your diagnosis. Next, you will have to prove that you developed PTSD as a result of the accident. This can be a little trickier but usually, your medical records will show the timeline. Your attorney can advise on this process. Finally, you will calculate the value of the damages from PTSD.
A Challenging Compensation Calculation
PTSD, like other complicated medical diagnoses, does not have a clear value. So there are several factors the insurance companies and courts use to determine the value of a PTSD claim. This includes:
● Evaluating the severity and extent of the PTSD
● Determining if the PTSD has interfered with your ability to work
● Determining if the PTSD has interfered with your ability to live a normal life
● If there are any punitive damages awarded
Though there isn’t a straightforward cost of PTSD, a good attorney will help you calculate the value of the damages.
Find A Great Attorney
Filing a claim for PTSD can be tricky because it doesn’t have a straightforward value. Fortunately, a good attorney can help. When you work with an attorney, they take over all the communication with the insurance companies. They will help you gather the right evidence you need for your claim. Then they will negotiate with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement. Make sure to work with an attorney that specializes in accident injury law.