Email
Chat
Yesterday was the 27th annual World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a day that is organized by the World Federation for Mental Health, the only international advocacy and education organization concerned with all aspects of mental health.
Many personal injury victims pay less attention to the effects of the accident on their emotional and mental health. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, there is actually a category of damages that can help you recover for mental pain and suffering.
Different Ways a Personal Injury Can Affect your Mental Health
Being traumatized from a car accident can be a serious complication in someone’s life and can cause interruption in their daily life. One of the most common mental disorders someone could be diagnosed with is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that can develop after any type of traumatizing event.
Although nine percent of motor vehicle accident survivors suffer from PTSD, there are still other types of disorders someone might experience after a personal injury, such as:
- Phantom Limb Syndrome: If someone suffered a severe personal injury that resulted in them losing their limb, they may experience phantom limb syndrome, a condition where the patient will feel sensations in a limb that does not exist. The NCBI states that 80-100% of amputees experience this condition.
- Hodophobia: Hodophobia, or the fear of traveling, is a type of anxiety disorder a person could experience after being in an auto or motorcycle accident. People might worry that they will lose control or get into another accident if they are to go out. Symptoms might vary from a stomach ache and headache, or even panic attacks.
- Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders are commonly found in people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), affecting about 30-70% of individuals with TBI. Sleep disorders could range from insomnia to sleep apnea. People with TBIs usually will experience depression and anxiety symptoms as well.
How Mental Suffering Could Affect your Personal Injury Claim
As mentioned, there is a law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that allows recovery for mental suffering. The Rhode Island jury instructions states that mental suffering includes: nervousness, anxiety, worry, shock, humiliation, embarrassment or indignity.
The insurance companies will not tell you about the categories of compensation you’re entitled to, which is why you need a personal injury attorney to help fight for all your rights. If you are trying to recover compensation for mental pain and suffering, there must be medical documentation of the psychological personal injuries.
It’s Good To Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Personal Injury Help
At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we handle all types of personal injury cases every day. Honesty. Integrity. Results. Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights. Contact us in any method you prefer 24/7 for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call: 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form.