In Part One of this entry, we discussed how recent research has linked psychological trauma after major events (i.e. car accidents) to PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Commonly associated with military personnel who have experienced war or other violent situations, PTSD is also being found in many domestic cases involving tragic accidents. PTSD is increasingly present in victims of workplace accidents, motorcycle and truck accidents and accidental fires or explosions.
The ramifications of a traumatic event are different for every person who has suffered due to an unexpected tragedy. Prolonged and severe depression and social anxiety are two of the most common psychological effects, but there are others, depending on the situation and what took place. Many people simply want to avoid situations that put them at risk in the first place. Some victims develop agoraphobia (fear of going outside), while others develop severe aversions to animals (after they've been attacked by a dog or other creature) or to highway driving (after a violent crash).
Not every person who has been traumatized will develop PTSD (minor or full-blown). And not every person who develops some level of PTSD will experience it right away. Symptoms can present themselves as soon as a few days after the incident or as far away as years afterward, but symptoms must last more than 30 days in order to be considered PTSD.
Getting Help
More and more, personal injury and worker's compensation claims settle for damages that cover psychological injures as well as physical. If you or someone you love is being plagued with constant recurring thoughts of a tragedy, you need a lawyer to help you fight for your rights. A lawyer can help you recover damages for your injuries and to cover the costs of the psychological help that can lead you on a road to recovery.
