If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident, workplace incident, or due to someone else’s negligence, such as in a clinical negligence case, you may suffer from both physical and psychological harm. In these situations, you can claim separate compensation for each injury type. Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, are common after such events and can have a lasting impact on your mental well-being. Seeking compensation for both physical and emotional injuries ensures you’re properly compensated for the full extent of your suffering.

 

What are Examples of Psychological Injuries?

 

A psychological injury is when someone who goes through traumatic events retains emotional and mental distress surrounding their memories of the incident. You can suffer psychological damage from an accident even if you did not suffer a physical injury.

Examples of psychological injuries might include PTSD, CPTSD, Depression, Anxiety, or stress.

 

PTSD After an Accident

 

According to PTSD UK, the most common causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are car accidents. Traumatic injuries, potential for death, and the loss of control all contribute to mental health disorders after a car accident.Studies show that 25-33% of individuals involved in road incidents may develop PTSD within 30 days, making it a major contributor to PTSD and highlighting a significant public health concern.

 

Stress and Anxiety Surrounding an Accident in Northern Ireland

 

Recovering from an accident, seeking out medical care, and being unable to work, are all stressful events associated with illness and injury. You might suffer from violent intrusive thoughts; you might relive the accident. You could suffer from stress dreams, panic attacks, or general anxiety disorder. PTSD can lead to OCD, depression, and long term anxiety issues.

 

Further Mental Health Problems Caused by Injury

 

Physical injuries and mental injuries are often intertwined. Chronic injuries caused by an accident that was not your fault, such as a road traffic collision causing a long term spinal injury, then you could face a lengthy recovery time. Your injury could be permanent, which causes a psychological illness on its own.

Poor mental health has a greater impact than having to seek out therapy, too. Studies show that those suffering from mental health conditions will have a lengthier physical recovery time.

 

How Much Could Your Psychological Injury Claim Be Worth?

 

When valuing claims for psychiatric damage, several factors must be considered, including:

(i) The individual’s ability to manage daily life, education, and especially work.

(ii) The impact on relationships with family, friends, or other social contacts.

(iii) The potential success of any treatment.

(iv) Future vulnerability to further psychological harm.

(v) The overall prognosis.

(vi) The extent and/or nature of any physical injuries associated with the case.

(vii) Whether medical assistance has been sought.

• Severe Psychiatric Damage: Significant difficulties and a poor prognosis. Compensation ranges from £100,000 to £250,000.
• Moderately Severe Psychiatric Damage: Notable challenges with a more positive prognosis. Compensation ranges from £60,000 to £150,000.
• Moderate Psychiatric Damage: Some difficulties with significant improvement and a favorable prognosis. Compensation ranges from £15,000 to £60,000.
• Minor Psychiatric Damage: Duration of disability and impact on daily life and sleep determine compensation.
  • Full recovery within 12 months: Up to £10,000.
  • Full recovery within 12 to 24 months: Up to £20,000.

Compensation amounts depend on the diagnosis, the severity of the psychiatric injury and recovery timeline.  It is often these factors that are in dispute between the psychiatric experts as seen in our recent article on the case of Finegan v McDonald.

 

Where to find help in Northern Ireland?

 

If you’re experiencing the psychological effects of a road traffic accident (RTA), there are several resources available in Northern Ireland:

• Your GP: Your general practitioner can carry out an initial assessment and refer you to specialist services if necessary. They can also prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
• Victim Support NI: This charity offers free, confidential emotional and practical support for crime victims, including those affected by RTAs.
• Private Counselling Services: Many therapists in Northern Ireland specialise in trauma and PTSD. Accredited professionals can be found through organisations like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
• Road Traffic Accident Counselling Service: Some services provide counselling specifically for survivors of road traffic accidents.
• Online Resources: Websites like Minding Your Head offer information on mental health services available across Northern Ireland.
• Emergency Services: If you’re in immediate distress, dial 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

These services can help you access the mental health support you need following an RTA.

 

A Professional Personal Injury Law Firm Helping NI Residents with Compensation After Psychological Trauma

 

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) and are experiencing psychological distress, it’s important to know that help is available. From your GP to specialist counselling services and support organisations like Victim Support NI, there are various resources in Northern Ireland designed to support your recovery from both physical and emotional injuries.

However, to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, it’s vital to have the right legal team on your side. At Lacey Solicitors Belfast, we specialise in personal injury law and are dedicated to providing you with the expert guidance you need. We understand the challenges that follow an RTA, and our team is ready to help you navigate the claims process.

At Lacey Solicitors, we have the knowledge and expertise required to handle your claim with professionalism and efficiency. We focus solely on personal injury law and have a strong track record of securing compensation for our clients. We will work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re owed, quickly and professionally, so you can concentrate on your recovery.

For further assistance or to discuss your claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us, or simply fill in our contact form. Let us help you get the compensation and support you deserve.