If you have been involved in an accident and are claiming compensation for physical injuries, one element of the claim which can often be overlooked is the psychological damage that can be caused as a result of the accident.
Psychological damage can often, if not treated promptly, cause more of an impact on a person’s life than their physical injuries, especially if they are suffering from a recognised psychological disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Psychological injuries can occur as a result of any form of accident and often present as follows:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Negative thoughts
- Flashbacks/nightmares
- Fear/worry of being in the same or similar situation again
- Specific phobias
- Adjustment disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some people find discussing the way they feel and the effect the accident has had on them and their lives very difficult. It is also sometimes assumed that the psychological injuries will settle once the physical injuries have resolved, however this is not always the case.
It is therefore important to inform your legal advisor and any medical practitioners or experts of how you are feeling and how the accident has affected your life, including your mental health. Once they are aware of this, they will ensure that you receive adequate treatment which can sometimes be provided on a private-paying basis, and paid for by the opponent’s insurers, provided liability is not in dispute.
Some of the treatments available are:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Medication
- Counselling
You can also include a claim for compensation for your psychological damage in addition to any physical injuries and this element of your claim should certainly not be ignored.
If you have been unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident and would like some advice then our specialist personal injury solicitors are on hand to guide you through the process of making a claim, call us on 0161 696 6235 or complete our online enquiry form.
By Kathryn Horton, paralegal in the personal injury department
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