A personal injury case can have life-altering repercussions. While most people associate personal injury cases with physical injuries, there are also several psychological implications that an individual may experience following the incident. From anxiety and depression, to stress induced by the legal process, the psychological effects one may experience are plentiful. Let’s dive into some of the most common ones.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
There are a multitude of different personal injury cases, all of which range in severity and complexity. Here some common ones:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Product liability
- Slip and fall accidents
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly experienced by individuals who have undergone a significant or traumatizing event in their lives. Individuals who suffer from PTSD may have recurring thoughts and memories of the accident. This can inflict fear and cause personal injury victims to avoid certain places, people, or things that may be a trigger point for them. Additionally, those experiencing PTSD may experience changes in mood and emotion.
Anxiety
Personal injury accidents can also bring about anxiety in victims. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, you may develop driving anxiety where you feel very anxious and nervous each time you are in or around a car. While not everyone may experience anxiety, it can be a debilitating mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out your life as you did prior to the accident occurring.
Depression
Depression is another psychological effect of a personal injury accident. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, causes intense feelings of sadness. It often leads to a loss of interest in your regular activities and impedes your abilities to carry out your life as usual. In addition, you may experience a change in appetite and have impending feelings of doom, death, and suicide.
Stress Induced by the Legal Process
When you have suffered an injury in an accident, it is advised that you seek legal help to help recover the compensation you may be entitled to. Although the legal process is an important step towards recovery, it can also be a very taxing one. Legal prosecution can sometimes go on for extended periods of time, testing your emotional and psychological well-being. Additionally, you may experience financial strain to cover medical bills and legal help. Speaking to an experienced Van Nuys personal injury lawyer can help you to navigate the nuanced legal field and ensure that the process is as stress-free as possible.
Take a Deep Breath
Being a victim of a personal injury accident is undeniably stressful. Between the physical injuries you may suffer and the psychological toll the incident may take on you, it can be a stressful time. If you are struggling after a personal injury accident, you may want to look into seeking the help and guidance of a therapist who can help provide you with healthy coping mechanisms that can make the world of a difference in your recovery.