Understanding the Psychological Response to Injury
Mark A. Steinberg
Personal Injury
If you were the victim of an accident and sustained injuries and other damages as a result, then you probably already know that alongside your physical scars, there may also be emotional ones. Physical wounds aren't the only damages to come about after an accident and aren't the only type of injury you can potentially receive compensation for.Psychological conditions can also be caused by an accident and injury. Below, we will discuss some of the more common psychological responses to injury and what you can do in that kind of situation.
Common Psychological Responses
A psychological response is simply how your body naturally reacts to the stimulus. Many things in our life can evoke a psychological response, such as seeing an old friend or holding a baby. However, there are also what are considered unhealthy psychological responses. These often follow motor vehicle accidents, injuries suffered during a combat-related situation, and after premises liability accidents.
You can't always foresee who will have an unhealthy psychological response to injuries following an accident. You also can't determine just how severe the reaction may be. The response is often dependent on the victim's past and history of other psychological disorders, along with stressors they already experience in their everyday life.
Some of the more common psychological responses include:
• Anger and irritability
• Engaging in obsessive behaviors
• Easily crying
• Denial about the situation
• Inability to handle emotions
• Emotional numbness
• Bouts of forgetfulness
• Grief and/or guilt
• Increased isolation and withdrawal
• Increased dependency on alcohol and other substances
Psychological Conditions Linked to Trauma
Physical or emotional trauma can also manifest itself and pose a higher risk for those who already have psychological disorders.
• Anxiety: you may experience excessive worry and can begin to feel overwhelmed. It can also manifest itself with sudden and intense fear, the development of social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety.
• Depression: this is when one has persistent negative thoughts and feelings. They lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. It has been said that clinical depression may be caused by family mental health history and psychological and social sources of distress, including an accident or other traumatic event.
• (PTSD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: this is a mental health condition that is triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, such as a serious motor vehicle accident. Some symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks to the event, and uncontrollable thoughts.
Memory Loss
Another common psychological response to an injury or traumatic event is memory loss. Even if the injuries sustained did not affect the brain, memory loss can still occur. The brain may be too overwhelmed trying to deal with the accident and processing it that it is harder for them to recall specific details.
Compensation Following Trauma
If you have been involved in an accident and are experiencing trauma and having a negative psychological response to the injury, you may be entitled to compensation. This kind of trauma can inhibit one's ability to work, maintain relationships, and keep up with their responsibilities in life. It can also significantly impact one's self-esteem.
The court recognizes that not all injuries are physical. So, the liable party may be responsible for medical expenses and other expenses caused by the injury. Compensation can also be pursued for the psychological impacts when you file your personal injury case.
When filing this kind of case, you need to prove liability. This means you have to show that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, there was a breach of duty of care, or the breach resulted in the accident. To help prove liability, speak to a qualified personal injury attorney. They can walk you through the process and make sure you have everything you need to prove your case and receive the compensation you deserve following the accident.