Mental Health Claims After An Auto Accident
After an accident, it is easy to see someone with a broken leg, a laceration, or any other physical injury. However, it is not always easy to see emotional and mental injuries. Although they may be invisible, these unseen injuries are equally important and can also cause lifelong concerns. If you or a loved one has suffered a mental health concern due to an auto accident, there is some important information you need to know.
Defining Distress
It would be unfair to not state that many accident-related injuries are visible, so as you might imagine, injuries related to emotional distress are not always as black and white, particularly when it comes to defining them.
Whether it be feelings of anxiety, extreme fear of being in a car, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), if the cause of these concerns is linked to the impact, of aftereffects, of the accident, this distress can be included within your claim. If you have been involved in an accident and have suffered any decline in your mental or emotional health, it is important to speak to an attorney.
Documenting the Injury
Again, since this type of injury is not always visible, it is critically important that you have it documented. Remember, mental health is a part of your physical health, so at the first sign of a problem, you should visit your primary doctor or a specialist.
Once you visit the doctor, they will provide you with information about the diagnosis and other medical records outlining the condition and its prognosis. This information is important because it proves that you have been injured. Until you have this information, you will not be able to move forward with filing a claim for distress.
Financial Losses
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns brought about by an accident can have an impact on nearly every area of your life, including your finances. For example, if a person has anxiety to the point that they are unable to leave their home for a period due to fear of being in an accident, it may be a challenge for this person to earn a living.
As a result, the victim could lose some of their income. Any financial loss that is rooted in the mental health issues that have resulted from the accident can typically be included in the accident claim.
Remember, all injuries are important. Be sure to address these concerns with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
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