POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER CAUSED BY AUTO

ACCIDENTS

WHAT IS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can come about after a traumatic event that threatens your safety and makes you feel helpless. It’s normal to feel frightened or anxious after distressing experiences, but if the feelings don’t eventually fade away, it’s possible you’re suffering from PTSD. When an experience feels particularly unpredictable and uncontrollable, the disorder is more likely to occur. A motor vehicle accident is a perfect example of this.

MVA RESEARCH Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) are currently being researched as a potential cause of PTSD. A MVA can also cause emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. Variables exist that have predictive value when determining who might experience PTSD after an MVA. The research on this topic allows clinicians to identify individuals at risk for long-term mental health problems after an accident.

MVA PTSD VARIABLES

Three sets of variables identify at-risk individuals: • Pre-accident variables: Poor ability to cope

with traumatic events, pre-accident mental health problems, and poor social support

• Accident-related variables: Amount of physical injury and fear of dying, potential life-threat, and loss of significant others

• Post-accident variables: Rate of physical recovery from injury, the level of social support from friends and family, and the level of active reengagement in both work and social activities

PTSD SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

PTSD symptoms can arise suddenly and occur unpredictably. Everyone experiences PTSD differently, but there are three main types of symptoms:

Re-experiencing the traumatic event Avoiding reminders of the trauma Increased anxiety and emotional arousal

RE-EXPERIENCING THE TRAUMATIC EVENT • Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event • Flashbacks • Nightmares • Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma • Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event

AVOIDING REMINDERS OF THE TRAUMA

• Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma

• Avoidance of anything having to do with the trauma (driving, being in a car, etc.)

• Loss of interest in activities and life in general

• Feeling detached and emotionally numb • Sense of a limited future

INCREASED ANXIETY AND EMOTIONAL AROUSAL

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep • Irritability or outbursts of anger • Difficulty concentrating • Hypervigilance • Feeling jumpy and easily startled

MVA-RELATED PTSD TREATMENTS

MVA-related PTSD is unique due to the increased likelihood of being injured or developing a chronic pain condition following the trauma. Due to this, people who have been injured don’t consider psychological treatment. When psychological treatment isn’t sought, PTSD symptoms linger. Options to recover include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication.

COMPENSATION FOR PTSD

PTSD claims in connection with car accidents are not common, but they are not unheard of. It falls under “damages,” which determines the value of a car accident injury claim. The challenge is proving your claim and showing that you are receiving ongoing therapy to treat the PTSD.

CONTACT US

Barry Edson has successfully represented the General Toronto Area for over 30 years. Trusted by local clients, he has acted as counsel on thousands of

personal injury, fatal accident, and disability claims. In the course of recovering millions of dollars in settlements, judgments, and disability payments for his

clients, he has also established many important legal precedents.

Your initial consultation with Edson Legal is always free and there is no pressure of further obligation.

Website: http://edsonlegal.com/

Phone: 1-855-702-3119