A car accident is a traumatic event, and it is not uncommon for collision victims to suffer from a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis due to an accident. PTSD can have a lasting impact on a victim’s life, including the victim’s ability to return to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain relationships. Fortunately, you can recover damages for a PTSD diagnosis after a car accident in Missouri. Speaking with a car accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance on how to file a car accident claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD resulting from an accident caused by a negligent driver, the lawyers at Goza & Honnold are prepared to pursue justice on your behalf. We know how to build a strong case by conducting a comprehensive investigation and gathering evidence to prove liability.
What Are the Common Signs of PTSD After a Missouri Car Accident?
PTSD is a mental health disorder resulting from a traumatic event, such as a car collision. The following are among the most common signs and symptoms that are seen in PTSD diagnoses:
- Re-experiencing symptoms: This includes flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to the car accident.
- Avoidance symptoms: This may include avoiding people, places, or things that may trigger memories of the car accident.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: This can include being easily startled, feeling irritable, having difficulty sleeping, and having trouble concentrating.
- Negative mood symptoms: This includes feeling numb, disconnected, or hopeless. Often, a victim may have difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
- Dissociative symptoms: This includes feeling disconnected from one’s own thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
PTSD symptoms have a lasting impact on a victim’s life following an accident. While recovering damages can vary case-by-case, certain factors may influence the value of your case, such as the severity of your diagnosis, how your diagnosis has affected your livelihood and ability to work, and how your diagnosis impacted your ability to enjoy life and contribute to your household.
Recoverable Damages for PTSD Diagnosis After a Missouri Car Accident
If another party caused your car accident, resulting in a PTSD diagnosis, you may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages for your condition in a car accident claim.
The following damages can be recovered in a successful claim:
- Medical expenses: Generally, you may recover the costs of any medical treatment you have received for your PTSD diagnosis and treatment, such as therapy, medication, or other mental health services.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work as a result of your PTSD, you may recover damages for the income lost during that time.
- Pain and suffering: This includes damages for emotional distress and mental anguish that you may have suffered as a result of PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your PTSD has affected your ability to enjoy your life as you did before the accident, you may recover damages for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: If your PTSD has affected your relationship with your significant other, you may be able to recover damages.
Working with a knowledgeable legal team can help evaluate the potential damages in your case and work to ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve.
Speak With the Car Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold Today
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD after a car accident in Missouri, consult the lawyers at Goza & Honnold to help you understand your legal options. We can help you demonstrate the true impact of your PTSD diagnosis on your life and recover the damages you need to move forward.
Set up a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers by filling out a contact form or calling our office at (913) 451-3433.