Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is rampant in the US and the world as a whole. Research shows that 5% of Americans have PTSD annually, approximately 13 million people in 2020. This silent injury emanates from a catastrophic event and may significantly affect a person’s daily life and life quality. Regrettably, most PTSDs emanate from another party’s negligence, and a PTSD attorney can help file a lawsuit to get compensation for damages. Read on to learn FAQs about PTSD.
What Causes PTSD?
Any scary or life-threatening event can cause severe anxiety and PTSD. Examples include abuse, rape, violent assault, acts of terrorism, dog bite, robbery, and witnessing a murder. Also, getting involved in an auto, truck, motorcycle, and boating accident increases the probability of developing PTSD. Work-related accidents such as electrocution and falls can result in PTSD.
PTSD among veterans is alarmingly high due to stressful combat experiences. Veterans encounter horrible and disturbing events like death, severe injuries, and training accidents when deployed. Also, separation from family and exposure to deployment stressors increases PTSD risk.
What Symptoms and Signs Do People with PTSD Experience?
Most people with PTSD report getting flashbacks of the event, overwhelming emotions, and incapacitating anxiety. Also, they can get sleep disturbances, depression, sadness, fear, anger, and detachment from people. They may also avert situations or people associated with the traumatic event and have adverse reactions to ordinary things like loud bangs.
What are the Effects of PTSD?
PTSD is often considered a silent injury since the effects may take weeks or even months to surface. The symptoms differ in severity and affect almost every life aspect. Someone may encounter difficulties working, relating with family and friends, and performing daily activities.
In addition, the disorder can impact a person’s cognitive state and emotions. They may not think straight, and their judgment becomes clouded. Some people experience sleep problems, leading to physical and emotional health problems.
What Should You Do if You or Your Loved One Has Symptoms of PTSD?
If you suspect that you or a loved one has PTSD due to a catastrophic event, it is best practice to seek medical attention. It is crucial for persons with severe symptoms lasting over a month and those struggling with daily routines like work and school.
A medical professional assesses their condition and recommends treatment and therapy as needed. Psychotherapy can help PTSD patients and aid in recovery. Besides medical attention, a PSTD patient needs social support since coping with a traumatic event can be lengthy.
Should You Seek Help from a Lawyer?
Many people do not know their rights after suffering PTSD. If another party’s actions or negligence led to PTSD, you can file a claim against them. For instance, if you got PTSD in an auto crash due to another driver’s carelessness, you are eligible for compensation.
Similarly, PTSD from a preventable animal attack or workplace accident is a viable claim. Unfortunately, winning a PTSD lawsuit can be challenging since you don’t have physical injuries. A PTSD lawyer comes in handy, helping you prove injury, causation, and damages. They establish a claim’s legal grounds, advise on evidence gathering, and guide you throughout the process.
A lawyer is invaluable in calculating damages. The effects of PTSD can be long-term and life-altering. As such, victims deserve adequate compensation to maintain their quality of life. An experienced lawyer helps calculate the economic –medication costs, income loss, disability accommodations, and non-economic damages –pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and therapy.
Whether you developed PTSD from a truck accident, assault, or combat, you may experience many symptoms affecting your physical, mental, and social life. Working with a reputable PTSD lawyer is vital to recover compensation and alleviate the financial burden of the condition.