If you are in a car accident, even if you are not severely injured, you may still suffer extreme emotional distress. People involved in wrecks often experience depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at high rates, around 17.4% and 32.3%, respectively.
Read on to explore whether you can sue for pain and suffering after an accident and how the Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you understand your legal options.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering After a Collision
In a typical car accident claim, the injured party can seek compensation for their financial losses, which typically includes their vehicle repair costs, their medical bills, and any lost wages, if they miss work while recovering from their injuries.
However, accident victims may also be able to sue for other harm done to them, including pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Emotional distress is much harder to prove than physical injuries, but an experienced lawyer can help you collect evidence to show how your accident has negatively affected your mental health. Disfiguring and disabling injuries can even be evidence for emotional distress.
If you are suffering from debilitating mental or emotional distress following a car crash, contact our firm. We will go over the details of your case with you for free. We want you to be aware of your options, especially if you may be eligible for compensation for your distress.
How to Tell if You’re Suffering from Emotional Distress
It may not always be obvious or easy to admit that you are suffering from emotional distress. It is tempting to hope you are simply having “an off day” and that you will eventually feel better once you “get over the accident.”
Unfortunately, severe mental and emotional distress can be disabling and requires treatment to get better.
If you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself after a car accident, speak with an attorney from Dudley DeBosier. We can review your case and determine if you meet the legal standards to file for pain and suffering damages:
- Depression: Also called Major Depressive Disorder, depression can negatively interfere with daily functioning and enjoyment of life. You may notice a lack of energy, feelings of guilt, loss of interest in activities, emotional outbursts, or suicidal thoughts if you are suffering from depression.
- Anxiety: Most people will experience some anxiety after a traumatic event, but elevated levels over an extended period are a mental health concern. If you experience these symptoms over a long duration, you may have high levels of anxiety due to the car crash:
- Constantly nervous and restless
- Increased fear of car crashes
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Constant sense of dread
- Hyperventilation when your crash is mentioned
- Concentration issues
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The most common mental health issue among car crash survivors, PTSD occurs when thoughts about an event inhibit your ability to function. Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Recurring flashbacks to the crash
- Emotional distance to others
- Avoiding anything related to the crash, including driving or even riding in a car
- Nightmares about the crash
- High levels of anxiety
Schedule a Free Case Review for Your Emotional Distress
Emotional pain and suffering can be just as detrimental as physical pain and suffering. Speaking with an experienced attorney from Dudley DeBosier can help you understand if you are eligible for financial compensation because of your increased mental duress after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Contact our lawyers to schedule a free consultation and get help regarding your pain and suffering case.
This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.