Navigating Psychological Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Claims

Psychological injuries are often neglected in aspects of personal injury law. A prospective cohort study conducted in New Zealand titled as “Prevalence and predictors of psychological distress following injury.” It suggested the well-being of injured people over time.

Their findings show that about 25% of participants reported distress three months after their injury. 15% had distress at 12 months, and 16% at 24 months post-injury.

These results highlight the importance of early screening and targeted support for those affected by injuries. This blog will explore the details of psychological injury from different incidents. It will shed light on their many aspects, symptoms, and legal effects.

Psychological Injuries in Legal Terms

In legal cases, psychological injury refers to any mental or psychiatric conditions. They are caused by events that lead to lawsuits or claims. Effects of emotional trauma are usually mentally debilitating and damaging. They often come from someone else’s negligence. In car accidents, they can greatly harm a victim.

Causes of psychological injuries

There are several causes of psychological injuries that can be harmful for you.

• Emotional Trauma/Distress

Mental trauma or emotional trauma can cause severe pain and suffering in life.

• Financial Loss

If your Mental health injury has led to missed work or lost income, psychological injury compensation can help offset these losses.

• Medical Expenses

Treatment for psychological injuries can be costly. Compensation can help cover these medical bills.

• Property Damage

Car accidents can damage your vehicle or other belongings. Compensation amount can help with repair or replacement costs.

Various Types of Psychological Injuries

Road accidents can lead to several types of injuries and psychological trauma, each with its own challenges:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an anxiety disorder. It can develop after a traumatic event, especially one involving a threat to life. Symptoms include recurring nightmares and flashbacks, making daily life difficult.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs are often caused by a head injury during a car accident. They can impair cognitive functions, like memory and concentration. They can also harm problem-solving, attention, and emotional regulation.

• Chronic Pain

Although primarily physical, chronic pain can have significant psychological effects. They may doubt their suffering is real. This can cause distress. Psychologists often use cognitive and behavioural techniques. They use them to help manage the pain and its mental impacts.

If you or a loved one has suffered a psychological injury due to someone else’s negligence. You may be entitled to compensation. It covers a wide range of losses and damages.

Symptoms of Psychological Injuries

After a psychological trauma, people can show a variety of psychological symptoms. PTSD is regarded as the most common mental injury among people. Initially, they are not aware of PTSD.

‘’There was no official diagnosis for PTSD  before it was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association in 1980.’’

Majorly PTSD symptoms can last from a few days to several months after psychological trauma

Common symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Confusion
• Disbelief
• Denial
• Fear
• Hopelessness
• Guilt
• Insomnia
• Elevated heart rate
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Withdrawal

Treatment for psychological injuries can vary upon your injury’s nature. Different therapies and session can be effective for mental injuries.

Conclusion

Psychological injuries from car accidents are a serious issue. They harm victims’ mental and physical health. Concise Medico expert psychologists are dedicated to helping those who have suffered psychological injury. We provide full information and medico-legal reports with the aim to help you get the compensation you deserve.