Accidents happen daily, some being more severe than others. An accident can leave physical injuries such as broken bones and burns which can cause extreme discomfort. When an accident is not your fault you may be able to claim compensation . An experienced solicitor will identify if your claim is valid.
If you have got a valid personal injury claim, your injuries sustained from the accident will be assessed by a medical expert. Any physical losses will be accounted for and considered in your claim. Physical injuries are an objective issue whereas psychological issues are sometimes subjective and harder to assess. Nevertheless psychological injuries can now become part of a personal injury claim. More serious accidents not only leave you with severe physical injuries you may also suffer from psychological damage.
Experiencing a road traffic accident can be extremely frightening and traumatic. Most serious psychological injuries are a direct result of a traumatic event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a reaction that some people suffer from after being involved in a serious accident.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is usually diagnosed if the symptoms are still ongoing three months after the accident or event. The symptoms of PTSD are as follows:
- Flash backs – reliving the event with sudden unwanted memories.
- Painful emotions
- Numbness and loss of deep feelings
- Depression, guilt and anxiety
- Retreat from relationships
- Avoiding activities that may trigger memories of the event, for example avoiding the scene of the accident.
- Avoiding dealing with grief and anger
- Avoiding symptoms by ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol or drugs
- Very short temper
- Irritable emotions
- Anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disrupted sleep and nightmares
- Poor mental and work performance
Source: BBC Health
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can last for many years. There are several treatments which can help to reduce the symptoms. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and exposure therapy are the two most common forms of treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps sufferers to understand the condition and thought processes. In the therapy sessions sufferers begin to learn how to change their behaviour or reaction through breathing techniques and anger control. Exposure therapy involves being in a more stressful situation by confronting the fears and reliving the event.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault you may be eligible to claim for compensation. Your physical injuries will be examined by a medical expert. In addition to this examination if you feel that your psychological well-being has been affected you can be referred to a psychiatrist. At Macks we will arrange the appointments for you making it easier so that you can concentrate on improving your health. We will provide you with a quality and caring service. Call Macks Solicitors on 01642 252 828.
