Compensating Victims Suffering Psychological and Emotional Injuries
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Personality changes, insomnia and vivid nightmares are only a few of the symptoms someone could exhibit after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event. Someone witnessing a family member being struck and killed by a speeding vehicle or the occupant of a building who suffers severe burns in a fire caused by negligent maintenance of a building could both be victims of psychological and emotional injuries even though only one of them suffered physical trauma.
Emotional harm caused by an injury to the brain
Brain injuries, such as might occur the head of a passenger strikes against the metal frame of a car during a collision or when someone slips and falls on a wet floor and their head hits the floor, could leave a person with emotional or psychological injuries. The following are some of the behaviours someone with a brain injury might exhibit:
- Angry outbursts
- Irritability
- Inability to produce appropriate emotional responses
- Anxiety and fear of suffering further brain trauma
- Impulsive and risky behaviour
- Depression
- Isolation
- Difficulty engaging in normal social relationships
- Insomnia
- Loss of independence
A person with chronic pain or disability due to a physical injury caused by the negligent, intentional or careless conduct of another party could also experience depression and other psychological harm stemming from their inability to engage in normal daily activities
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Sleeping disturbance, anxiety, depression and other behaviours experienced by someone suffering an injury to the brain might also appear in someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims suffering serious and catastrophic injuries in an accident could develop PTSD. It could also develop from being involved in a near-death situation or from witnessing the violent death of a loved one.
Victims of PTSD may experience flashbacks of the traumatic event or feel as though the same or equally traumatic event might occur. Mood changes, a detachment from family and friends, and other psychological disorders frequently develop in people suffering from PTSD. A with PTSD might abuse drugs or alcohol as a means of dealing with the emotional and psychological harm associated with PTSD.
Individuals developing anxiety from PTSD or from other causes related to accidents could exhibit additional intrusive conditions. Panic attacks, fear of leaving the home and an inability to engage in normal interpersonal discourse could develop in individuals suffering from anxiety.
Ontario psychological and emotional injuries lawyers
The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond years of experience representing individuals suffering psychological and emotional injuries due to the negligent and careless conduct of others. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, you should speak to one of our lawyers to learn more about your right to be compensated. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now. We have offices located throughout Ontario offering free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims and their families.