Emotional Distress Caused by Injury: Is this Medically Covered?
No one ever expects to be involved in an accident before their day is over, but unfortunately, the fact that there are 37.9 million emergency room visits for injuries every year proves that Americans don’t always get what they expect. People understand that if they’re involved in some sort of accident, there is a chance that they could suffer broken bones or other bodily injuries. What many fail to realize, however, is that mental injuries can occur as well. Luckily, it is possible for those who are suffering from emotional distress to understand and overcome it.
Types of Emotional Distress
There are a variety of emotional issues that a person may face after a serious accident, and it’s important for them to understand that this is in no way uncommon. Two of the most recognized psychological issues that can arise from an accident are anxiety and depression. Either of these can be detrimental for a person’s psyche, and many car accident victims are actually unable to ride in vehicles anytime soon after their accident due to these mental effects.
Unfortunately, depression and anxiety aren’t the worst that can happen. Many people actually end up suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious accident. This condition is often characterized by uncontrollably recalling the event, having frightening dreams related to the incident and having severe psychological distress long after the accident.
Accidents and Emotional Distress
It’s unfortunate that many people only see PTSD as something that soldiers deal with after being in war zones. While many of America’s servicemen do suffer from this condition, research has actually shown that one of the main causes for PTSD in both men and women is motor vehicle accidents.
It should be noted, however, that it’s not only vehicular accidents that can lead to these emotional stressors. Any incident that results in the victim believing their life is in danger can easily lead to PTSD. In addition, prior traumatic events, underlying anxiety disorders, severe injuries and even witnessing detrimental events can lead to the condition.
Handling the Aftermath
Anyone who experiences any emotional distress after an accident should seek out medical help. It should never be forgotten that therapy isn’t for “crazies.” It’s for perfectly normal people going through difficult issues. Luckily, if another person’s negligent actions are what led to the accident, that person or their insurance company will often be held liable for the cost of treatment related to the emotional distress.
In fact, it’s often best to speak with an attorney immediately after the accident. One New York, NY personal injury lawyer states “It is prudent to select a lawyer who has the experience, dedication, and compassion necessary to be a strong advocate for you.” These legal professionals often have strong connections with mental health professionals and can recommend an experienced doctor.
In addition, they’ll know the appropriate way to go about recovering compensation for these and other bills related to the incident, and when an insurer knows that a person has legal representation, they’re likelier to offer a fair settlement quickly. This is imperative to ensure that a person isn’t financially ruined by something that wasn’t their fault.
Any type of injurious accident can lead to harmful psychological effects, but luckily, an individual doesn’t have to face these often troubling times on their own. With the right medical and legal help, an accident victim will be well on their way back to a life of normalcy.
Lisa Coleman shares tips on how to handle and manage the financial stresses of medical bills following an accidental injury. She recently read online how a New York, NY personal injury lawyer group can help file a claim for such a case.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chmeredith/3088120425/
Category: Health, Medical Insurance
