Does PTSD Qualify for a Personal Injury Settlement in FL?

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Kathy W.
July 3, 2019

Thankfully, in the state of Florida, you can file a claim regardless of whether your injuries were physical or psychological. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological disorders to occur after an accident. If you’re suffering from PTSD, a Lakeland personal injury lawyer from Lopez & Humphries, PA can assist you with obtaining the maximum settlement possible. 

Qualifying Injuries in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Florida allows for both physical and psychological injuries to be claimed in personal injury lawsuits because both types of injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life. Common physical injuries that qualify for personal injury lawsuits include broken bones, severe burns, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries

Psychological injuries may include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. As long as it can be proven that the psychological injury was directly caused by the accident in question and the accident can be linked to someone’s negligence, then there are grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. 

Identifying PTSD

PTSD is one of the most common psychological disorders to be successfully claimed in personal injury lawsuits because PTSD is a mental disorder triggered specifically by traumatic events. Incidents such as car wrecks, slip-and-fall accidents, work-related accidents, abuse, and violent attacks can all lead to PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares of the incident, flashbacks, physical reactions to memories of the incident, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, irritability, changes in behavior, and trouble sleeping. If you’re having these symptoms after experiencing a traumatic accident, it’s important to talk to a doctor and obtain a proper diagnosis. 

Proving Negligence for PTSD

In order to prove that the liable party caused the accident that led to your PTSD, you’ll need proper evidence, such as witness testimonies, video footage, and photographs. You’ll also need medical records showing that your PTSD was directly linked to the accident in question. Once you have sufficient evidence to pinpoint the negligent party, you can begin calculating your claim value. 

Recoverable Damages for PTSD

Because the state of Florida recognizes PTSD as a qualifying injury, you can claim the same compensatory damages for PTSD as you could for any other physical injury. Both economic and non-economic damages can be claimed such as medical expenses, lost wages from being out of work, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Contact a Lakeland Personal Injury Attorney

PTSD can become detrimental to your life if it’s left untreated. In order to receive the best treatment possible, you’ll need proper compensation from the party responsible for triggering your PTSD in the first place. At Lopez & Humphries, PA, our team of experienced attorneys can assist you with getting the money you deserve. 

To speak with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer about your case, fill out the form below or call (863) 774-3573 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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