The visible scars of a serious accident—the broken bones, the lacerations, the bruises—are only part of the story. For many accident victims, the invisible wounds are just as debilitating, if not more so. The emotional and psychological trauma of a serious accident can lead to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, casting a long shadow over every aspect of your life.
If you are struggling with PTSD or other emotional trauma after an accident, you are not alone, and your suffering is real. The compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler understand that your emotional recovery is just as important as your physical recovery, and we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve for all of your injuries, both visible and invisible.
Understanding PTSD and Emotional Trauma
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a serious car accident, a violent crime, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, or flashbacks where you feel as if the event is happening again.
- Avoidance: Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.
- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world; feelings of hopelessness, detachment, or emotional numbness.
- Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, and having angry outbursts or aggressive behavior.
The Impact of Emotional Trauma on Your Life
The emotional trauma of an accident can be just as debilitating as any physical injury. It can affect your ability to work, your relationships with family and friends, and your overall quality of life. You may find yourself unable to get behind the wheel of a car, afraid to leave your house, or struggling with a constant sense of fear and anxiety.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
In Wisconsin, you have the right to seek compensation for your emotional distress as part of your personal injury claim. However, proving the extent of your emotional trauma and its impact on your life can be challenging. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney will know how to build a strong case for you.
Here’s how we can help:
- We Take Your Emotional Trauma Seriously: We understand that your emotional injuries are just as real and just as deserving of compensation as your physical injuries.
- We Work with Experts: We will work with your doctors, therapists, and other mental health professionals to document your diagnosis and the impact of your emotional trauma on your life.
- We Will Fight for Full Compensation: We will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, including your emotional distress.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: How can I prove I have PTSD from an accident?
A: A diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional is crucial. We will work with your therapist or psychiatrist to gather the necessary medical records and expert testimony to prove your claim.
Q: What kind of compensation can I receive for emotional trauma?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of your therapy and medication, as well as for the pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your emotional trauma.
Q: The insurance adjuster told me they don’t pay for emotional distress. Is that true?
A: No, that is not true. Insurance companies will often try to downplay or dismiss claims for emotional distress, but you have the right to seek compensation for these very real injuries. An experienced lawyer will not let them get away with it.
Your Mental Health Matters. Contact a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer Today.
Don’t let an insurance company tell you that your emotional trauma doesn’t matter. It does. The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler are here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to heal, both physically and emotionally. We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm. When you’re ready, contact us online or call us at 608-784-4370 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us be your voice.