How much for a PTSD claim?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological condition that can result from a variety of traumatic events, including accidents and personal injuries. Understanding how to assess and claim compensation for PTSD is crucial for victims seeking justice and recovery. In this blog, guided by the expertise of Mark Perron, a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer at Perron Law Office, we explore the complexities of evaluating PTSD in personal injury claims, provide examples of PTSD cases, and discuss effective strategies for gathering supporting evidence.

Defining PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in individuals who have seen or been through a deeply traumatic event. People suffering with PTSD typically experience intense, often disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that occur a long time after the traumatic event has ended. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks or nightmares about the event; they may feel any number of emotions like sadness or hurt; and they may withdraw or feel detached from other people.

Examples of Events That Can Trigger PTSD

PTSD can be triggered by a variety of traumatic situations, including, but not limited to:

1. Combat Exposure: Military combat is a common scenario that can lead to PTSD, where soldiers experience intense fear and stress from warfare and life-threatening situations.
2. Physical Assault: Being a victim of physical violence, such as mugging, robbery, or a random attack, can lead to PTSD. The sudden and violent nature of these events can have a lasting psychological impact.
3. Sexual Assault: Experiences of sexual violence, including rape and sexual abuse, are potent triggers for PTSD, given their deeply personal and invasive nature.
4. Serious Accidents: Individuals involved in severe car accidents, industrial accidents, or other life-threatening mishaps can develop PTSD, especially if the incident involved serious injury or a threat to life.
5. Natural Disasters: Surviving a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, where one’s life and safety are at risk, can also trigger PTSD.
6. Witnessing Trauma: PTSD isn’t only caused by experiencing trauma firsthand. Witnessing a traumatic event, such as a violent death or a serious accident, can also lead to PTSD.
7. Childhood Neglect or Abuse: Experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse during childhood is a significant risk factor for the development of PTSD later in life.

Each of these scenarios involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, which are the types of stressful experiences linked to the development of PTSD. Individuals might start showing symptoms of PTSD shortly after the event or even years later, often triggered by reminders of the trauma.

Assessing the Value of PTSD in Personal Injury Claims

Key Factors in Valuation

Evaluating PTSD requires a nuanced understanding of both the psychological impact and the tangible costs associated with the disorder:

• Medical Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional is essential.
• Treatment Costs: Includes therapy, medication, and potentially long-term counseling.
• Impact on Quality of Life: How PTSD affects daily activities, relationships, and the ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: The mental anguish associated with PTSD is also compensable.

The combination of these factors helps to establish a baseline for compensation but understanding their interplay is key to accurately valuing a claim.

Example Cases of PTSD Compensation

Detailed Scenarios

Example 1: Car Accident

• Scenario: A client was involved in a severe car accident resulting in physical injuries and witnessing a fatality.
• PTSD Impact: Developed severe anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors that prevented returning to work.
• Compensation Factors: The claim included medical treatment for physical injuries, intensive psychological therapy, loss of earnings, and compensation for psychological trauma.
• Outcome: Settlement included compensation for ongoing therapy and a higher sum for pain and suffering due to the traumatic nature of the witnessed event.

Example 2: Workplace Accident

• Scenario: An employee was injured due to machinery failure, leading to both physical harm and witnessing traumatic injuries to colleagues.
• PTSD Impact: Suffered nightmares, severe mood swings, and a fear of working in industrial environments.
• Compensation Factors: Claimed for immediate psychological treatment, long-term psychotherapy, and loss of future earning capacity due to inability to continue working in the same field.
• Outcome: The compensation covered extensive mental health support and retraining for a new career.

These examples illustrate the depth of analysis required to quantify PTSD-related damages effectively.

Gathering Evidence to Support PTSD Claims

Building a Strong Case

For those suffering from PTSD following a personal injury, compiling comprehensive evidence is essential to ensure you get the compensation you need:

• Medical Records: Documentation from mental health professionals diagnosing PTSD and detailing the treatment plan.
• Expert Testimony: Psychologists or psychiatrists can provide insights into the severity of the PTSD and its long-term implications.
• Personal Documentation: Keeping a diary of PTSD symptoms, impacts on daily life, and recovery progress.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from family, friends, and colleagues can support claims of changes in behavior and challenges faced post-incident.

With the help of a skilled Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron, navigating the complexities of these claims and ensuring all relevant evidence is accurately presented becomes more manageable.

Conclusion: Navigating PTSD Claims with Expert Help

Claiming compensation for PTSD requires detailed evidence and expert legal guidance. Understanding the full impact of your PTSD, both personally and financially, is critical. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that your claim is robust and that you receive the compensation necessary to facilitate your recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD after a personal injury, reaching out to a professional like Mark Perron can provide both the support and legal representation needed.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. We proudly serve the communities of Lauderdale, Columbia Heights, Falcon Heights, Robbinsdale, Roseville, Crystal, New Brighton, Richfield, Arden Hills, Fridley. Simply reach out on 651-269-6208 to schedule your free consultation.