One of the most common causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a car accident. The trauma of an auto accident in Illinois can leave an individual suffering not only physical injuries but emotional injuries as well.
Additionally, individuals already suffering from a psychological disorder such as depression have a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident in Illinois.
When an accident in Illinois is the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a claim. An Aurora personal injury lawyer can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your legal rights are protected if you are eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is more complicated than simply feeling upset about the accident or anxious about your future. PTSD can affect an individual’s ability to function on a daily basis and interfere with life in such a way that total quality of life is decreased.
When an accident in Illinois causes severe bodily injuries, the victim may be facing extensive time off from work, a long recovery, medical complications, disability, scarring or disfigurement, all of which can be profoundly devastating.
In addition, a victim may also be facing mounting hospital and medical bills. All of these factors can play into the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When PTSD overtakes an individual’s life it can affect everything from employment to the ability to interact and socialize.
It’s these types of debilitating psychological damages that may entitle an individual to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation.
Keep in mind, anyone involved in an accident in Illinois is likely to feel a bit shaken up. It’s normal for an accident to bring on anxiety or fear, but the difference between these feelings and post-traumatic stress disorder is that PTSD begins severely interfering with daily life.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
While symptoms of PTSD will vary from one individual to another, some of the more common symptoms include:
- reliving or re-experiencing the accident;
- ongoing feeling of uneasiness/anxiety;
- refusing to have medical tests or procedures done;
- persistently avoiding the scene of the accident or other related stimuli;
- irritability/anger;
- feelings of being disconnected from people or surroundings;
- irrational fears/worries;
- difficulty sleeping/nightmares; and
- fear of driving or avoidance of driving in conditions similar to the day of the accident.
These types of symptoms could indicate an individual is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of a serious accident in Illinois.
Risk of Developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The risk of developing PTSD is increased for those individuals already suffering from a psychological disorder. However, there are other contributing factors which may increase one’s propensity for developing PTSD. If the accident in Illinois resulted in near death or injuries so catastrophic the individual experienced a fear of dying, the risk of developing PTSD will be increased.
In addition, those suffering severe injuries or facing a court decision may be at further risk as well. PTSD is also increased for individuals who have been in a prior accident.
The unfortunate reality is anyone can suffer PTSD after being seriously injured in an accident in Illinois. Damages may be pursued not only for medical expenses but lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
An Aurora personal injury lawyer will work with you and your doctor to document your symptoms of PTSD, so you can pursue compensation for your psychological injuries.
Additionally, an Aurora personal injury lawyer will collect all evidence necessary to build a strong case. This may include an accident report, hospital records, medical bills, witness accounts and any other pertinent documentation.
When to Hire an Aurora Personal Injury Lawyer
An Aurora personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a personal injury claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
