When most people think of serious injuries after a car accident, they think of brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other physical injuries. While these are very serious injuries that may change a person’s life, it is important to know that emotional and mental injuries are just as serious and can be just as life-changing.
At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we believe you deserve compensation for all of your damages and injuries after a car accident. You can heal – but it may require therapy, medication, and other professional help. This is much easier to get if the cost is covered by the at-fault party. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you would like to request a free legal consultation.
Defining Emotional and Mental Injuries
When we discuss emotional and mental injuries, were are referring to what is often called “pain and suffering” in legalese. Examples of the less severe side can include being embarrassed, having anxiety, feeling angry, feeling fear, or having mental anguish. This can lead to issues with sleep, bouts of crying, loss of appetite, lack of energy, weight changes, and even sexual dysfunction.
When the damage is more severe, there are specific diagnoses that may apply including post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder. This can involving constantly replaying the accident in the head, being afraid of driving in certain situations, and many other life-affecting symptoms. This can have a significantly negative impact on a person’s life.
Proving Emotional and Mental Injuries
If you have mild emotion distress, you can demonstrate that in a statement, deposition, or testimony. You may not need professional help at all – you may just tell the jury or judge what happened to you. However, for those with more serious diagnoses, medical testimony may be appropriate. We will work with your mental health provider and / or a medical expert to get the testimony needed to prove your injuries.
Judges and Insurance Companies Will Not Always Accept Claims for Pain and Suffering
For the most part, juries, judges, and insurance companies will accept claims for pain and suffering if they believe that the injury claims are reasonable considering the severity of the accident and injuries. For example, a person in a minor accident in which they sprained their ankle and there was minimal property damage may have a hard time proving emotional distress.
On the other hand, an accident in which there were severe injuries, significant damage, or other factors that may have increased emotional pain, is more likely to include these damages. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas now at 909-982-0707 to find out what your options are and what the likely outcome will be.
