The Impact of Personal Injury on Mental Health
After an accident, many people focus on how an injury affects the victim’s physical health. However, a serious injury can severely affect a person’s mental health. Never underestimate the impact of an emotional injury on a person’s life. Getting professional help is crucial, and affording that treatment could come from a successful personal injury claim in South Carolina.
State law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for emotional distress under certain conditions. At Wilson Law Group, LLC, we can determine your eligibility to sue for mental anguish after reviewing your case. Contact us now for a free consultation.
The Psychological Impact of a Personal Injury
A severe accident can cause significant mental distress for surviving victims. However, the injury does not necessarily have to be severe to affect a person’s mental health. Depression is common after an injury, particularly when the injury has long-term consequences that change the individual’s daily life. An accident may leave victims with deep mental scars, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder.
When an accident causes catastrophic physical injuries, coping with these injuries can also turn into a mental struggle. Disfigurement and scarring can lead to depression, anxiety, and a loss of confidence. Those with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury may find adjusting to their new “normal” challenging. Lost quality of life and the resulting emotional effects are real concerns that may be overlooked or undervalued, preventing injury victims from receiving the support they need.
Recognizing Mental Health Struggles After an Accident
Recognizing and seeking help for emotional distress is difficult for many South Carolinians. Sometimes it takes a nudge from family and friends to recognize the signs of psychological injuries and encourage their loved one to pursue treatment. Possible symptoms of mental health struggles following an accident may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in mood or personality
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in eating patterns
- Nightmares
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Lack of concentration
- Withdrawal from daily life
- Loss of enjoyment of favorite activities
- Flashbacks
- Aggression
- Suicidal thoughts
An accident can also trigger phobias and obsessive behaviors. If you or someone you love experiences concerning behaviors after an accident, seek help from a mental health professional immediately.
Can I Receive Compensation for Emotional Distress in South Carolina?
In some instances, it may be possible to recover compensation for emotional distress following an accident caused by another party’s negligent or intentional actions. Often, accident victims can pursue an insurance claim for compensation for medical expenses, mental health treatment, and lost wages from physical and mental injuries caused by an accident. It may also be possible to seek compensation for emotional distress through a personal injury lawsuit.
How a Lawyer Can Help
An attorney is also an advocate who can pursue compensation for you and provide compassionate reassurance that your needs are valid and deserve to be heard. At Wilson Law Group, LLC, we will always put your needs first and will do everything we can to support you while we work towards recovering the money you deserve. You can expect us to:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Collect vital evidence
- Help you get the medical care you need
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
- Prepare a case for trial when necessary
Contact a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney Today
Addressing mental health concerns is a crucial part of injury recovery. Don’t be afraid to seek the help you need. Contact Wilson Law Group, LLC today for a free case review.