PTSD was widely known by society after they saw the symptoms from war veterans decades ago. However, nowadays, we can find this disorder in many people who have experienced car accidents in Yonkers, New York.
The trauma people can sustain after a car accident is accurate, and it can persist for several months or even years from the accident. Medical professionals can quickly identify physical injuries, but psychological injuries can be challenging to diagnose.
It requires the expertise of a particular doctor (psychiatrist) and several appointments so they can conclude about the syndrome.
PTSD car accident symptoms may vary depending on the person; it will strike hard on a child or a sensitive person. They may require extensive therapy to overcome it.
If you or a family member were victims of negligence in a car accident, many of you may also have psychological trauma. Many people don't know about it until a specialist evaluates them.
It would be best if you took the advice from a car accident PTSD lawyer and sought expert evaluation to include it when you attempt to claim compensation from the at-fault party.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in individuals who have witnessed or been involved in a traumatizing event, from natural disasters to violent assaults.
Statistically talking, PTSD after car accidents is still the most common cause. Every year, over 3 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents, and many suffer from this disorder.
Prevalence of PTSD after Car Accidents
The actual case of a man who presented with insomnia, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, and persistent worry went to his doctor’s appointment to find out how he could receive relief.
After examinations, the doctor found out that overall, he was healthy, but then the patient explained how 12 years ago, he was involved in an accident where he broke his jaw and hip and a compound fracture of the left leg.
He then told the doctor how these episodes where he feels worried about his family and work details while driving have caused him to pull over on the side of the road. Those situations started to happen 2 times a week, and it was uncomfortable for him.
The traumatic event when this man almost lost his life because he got trapped against the steering wheel and dashboard, semiconscious and in severe pain,
He also told his doctor that after extensive rehabilitation, he returned to work but immediately experienced difficulties. He feared “contamination,” developed showering rituals, and would only walk around garbage cans by facing them. He became nauseated by the smell of gasoline, refused to drive, was anxious in public, and drank to calm his nerves.
The patient left his job and began receiving psychiatric care; after two years of treatment with medication and psychotherapy, he again found employment. Six years after the accident, the patient received a $17,000 settlement.
Eight years after the accident, he married but soon separated, primarily because of sexual difficulties.
That is a clear example of how a person’s life can be adversely affected by PTSD. Therefore, at The Ward Law Group, our compassionate car accident PTSD lawyers can help you fight for your rights and get a fair settlement.
New York State Laws on PTSD Compensation
In the world of personal injury law in New York, it's crucial to understand the legal provisions about psychological injuries, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
These cases are often complex, demanding a nuanced approach to establish liability and secure rightful compensation for the affected party.
Criteria for Proving PTSD in Personal Injury Claims
To successfully claim compensation for PTSD in a personal injury case in New York, several critical criteria must be met. First and foremost, it's imperative to demonstrate that the PTSD directly resulted from the accident or incident in question. This requires a clear link between the traumatic event and the subsequent development of PTSD symptoms.
Moreover, it's essential to establish that the defendant's negligent or intentional actions were the proximate cause of the accident. This means showing that the defendant's conduct directly led to the traumatic event, resulting in the onset of PTSD.
Documentary evidence and expert testimony play pivotal roles in substantiating a PTSD claim. Medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and testimony from mental health professionals can serve as compelling evidence.
These documents should clearly outline the diagnosis, the severity of the condition, and its impact on the victim's daily life.
Additionally, eyewitness accounts and other forms of corroboration can bolster the case. These can include statements from individuals who observed the incident and those who have witnessed the profound changes in the victim's behavior and mental state following the event.
In New York, it's crucial to adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving PTSD.
The victim typically has a limited timeframe to file a lawsuit, and exceeding this deadline may result in forfeiture of the right to seek compensation.
Furthermore, New York law recognizes the potential long-term consequences of PTSD. This includes the cost of ongoing therapy, medication, and possible loss of earning capacity due to the psychological impact of the injury.
A skilled car accident PTSD lawyer in Yonkers can help navigate these complexities, ensuring that all relevant damages are pursued and justly awarded.
Potential Compensation for PTSD Victims
After experiencing a traumatic car accident, victims in Yonkers may be entitled to various forms of compensation. It's crucial to consider physical injuries and the potential psychological impact, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A skilled PTSD accident attorney in Yonkers can assist in pursuing rightful compensation for a comprehensive range of damages.
Medical and Therapy Expenses
One of the primary areas of compensation for car accident victims, including those suffering from PTSD, is coverage for medical and therapy expenses.
This encompasses costs associated with immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, therapy sessions, and any prescribed medications. Victims should keep meticulous records of all medical-related expenses to ensure they are appropriately reimbursed.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
For individuals grappling with the aftermath of a car accident, the ability to work and earn a livelihood may be significantly impacted. Compensation can be sought for lost wages during the recovery period and potentially beyond if the victim's ability to work is permanently affected.
Additionally, if the accident results in a diminished capacity to earn in the future, victims may be entitled to compensation for this long-term economic impact.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the tangible financial losses, New York law recognizes the profound emotional and physical suffering experienced by accident victims. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the non-economic damages endured.
This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident, which is especially pertinent in cases involving PTSD.
Quality of Life Damages
The aftermath of a car accident can drastically alter a victim's quality of life. This may manifest in an inability to engage in once-beloved activities, a diminished capacity to enjoy life to its fullest, or even strained personal relationships.
Compensation for quality of life damages seeks to provide some reparation for these intangible yet profoundly significant losses.
In cases involving PTSD, it's critical to underscore the unique challenges the victim faces. This condition can have a profound and lasting impact on daily life, necessitating comprehensive compensation.
Working with an experienced PTSD accident attorney in Yonkers ensures that all aspects of the victim's physical and psychological suffering are considered when pursuing the compensation they deserve.
How is PTSD diagnosed after a car accident?
This process is carried out by a specialized psychiatrist, an expert in understanding and treating mental health conditions. They employ a careful and systematic approach to assess if a person is experiencing symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The psychiatrist begins by conducting a thorough evaluation. This involves talking with the individual about their experiences, feelings, and any symptoms they may be facing.
Creating a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions is essential.
During this assessment, the psychiatrist pays close attention to specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a trusted guide used by mental health professionals.
This manual outlines the key signs and symptoms of PTSD, which include re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of triggers associated with the event, adverse changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal responses.
In some cases, the psychiatrist may utilize standardized questionnaires or assessments designed to gauge the severity and impact of the symptoms. These tools help provide a clearer picture of the individual's mental health and guide treatment decisions.
Once a diagnosis of PTSD is established, the psychiatrist works closely with the individual to develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, as well as potential medication to address specific symptoms.
The goal is to provide practical support and interventions to help the individual manage their PTSD and regain a sense of well-being.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Us
We understand how difficult this situation may be for you. You are an apparent victim of a negligent party who was not paying attention or was careless about others, and as a result, you were injured.
Living with the consequences of other’s wrong acts is unfair. Therefore, The Ward Law Group is ready to assist you in winning a fair settlement for you or even go to trials if they do not cooperate with a reasonable offer.
We have your back on this; you can rely on our extensive expertise to bring justice to you as we have done with thousands of our clients before.
Call us now for a free consultation of your case at 855-DOLOR-55.