How Do I Prove PTSD After A Pennsylvania Car Crash?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or “PTSD” is a mental disorder that first came to light among veterans returning from war. Although doctors once referred to it as “shell shock,” they now recognize that it can affect a wide range of individuals – and that it isn’t always sparked by the trauma of artillery shells and explosions. Many car accident victims suffer from PTSD in Pennsylvania. If you are one of these patients, you might be wondering how you can prove that your PTSD should lead to compensation.
Getting Treatment for Your PTSD
The best approach in this situation is to get treatment for your PTSD. This not only helps your recovery in the best way possible, but it can also create valuable medical records that prove the existence of your disorder. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available for PTSD victims in Pennsylvania. The State of Pennsylvania even has a web page dedicated to mental health resources. Those struggling with PTSD should consider these resources and seek help as soon as possible.
If you fail to get treatment for your PTSD, it may be very difficult to prove its existence. This is yet another reason to get help – and there is no reason to struggle alone. Be sure to save any expenses you incur while receiving this treatment – including psychologist visits, counseling sessions, and so on. You may get compensation for these costs as part of your car accident settlement.
Note that insurers may request that you submit to an independent assessment from a psychologist of their choosing. It is important to comply with these requests if they are indeed necessary. Note that the findings of an independent assessment may be challenged.
Why Should I Prove the Existence of My PTSD?
You should prove the existence of your PTSD because it may be a form of non-economic damage. In other words, it can help you receive more compensation for your car accident. A non-economic damage is something emotional or psychological that you have suffered due to your accident. Other examples include depression, anxiety, or simply “pain and suffering.”
Non-economic damages can increase your settlement amount by a considerable margin. While there are many ways to calculate how non-economic damages affect compensation, a “multiplier method” is particularly common. This has the potential to literally multiply the total value of your medical expenses and missed wages by various multipliers. Sometimes, this multiplier can reach up to 4X and beyond.
Find a Qualified Injury Attorney in Scranton
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Scranton personal injury attorney, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs throughout the Keystone State – including those who have suffered traumatic car accidents. We know that PTSD is a legitimate medical issue that car accident victims often face. With our help, you can discuss potential strategies to pursue this non-economic damage. Book your consultation today to learn more.
Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967#:~:text=Overview,uncontrollable%20thoughts%20about%20the%20event.
pa.gov/guides/mental-health/
