Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant and life-altering mental condition. Depending on the circumstances that caused it, you may have the right to compensation or other benefits.
A Kissimmee post-traumatic stress disorder lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright could help you pursue a claim. Other lawyers rely on our attorneys when they have complex injury claims, so you can feel safe knowing your catastrophic injury case is in capable hands.
PTSD Claims in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury lawsuits arise out of traumatic events like vehicle wrecks, drownings, explosions, and other accidents. When you experience severe physical trauma, you may develop PTSD in addition to your physical injuries.
By filing a lawsuit against the negligent parties who caused the incident, you may be able to claim financial damages for your PTSD. You can claim economic damages for the costs of psychiatric or psychological treatment and prescription medication, as well as non-economic damages for the impact your PTSD has had on your quality of life, such as:
- Sensitivity to noise
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Fear of crowds
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Heightened anxiety
- Hypervigilance
Feeling emotionally numb, detached, or irrationally angry are also possible symptoms of PTSD, and you can seek compensation for the strain these reactions place on your relationships.
To prove your losses in court, you will need documentation of a PTSD diagnosis. You may need to give a sworn statement about the impact of the PTSD on your life, and the court may also ask your family members and close associates to provide statements. A Kissimmee PTSD lawyer with The Florida Firm could ensure you have the necessary documentation and help you and your loved ones prepare for any depositions or testimony needed.
Workers’ Compensation and Disability
In some cases, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD. To claim these benefits, you must have a diagnosis from a medical professional and documentation that shows the PTSD is the result of a work-related accident or workplace conditions. For example, if your job involves seeing or hearing about tragic or violent events and you develop PTSD, you might have a sound workers’ compensation claim.
According to Florida Statutes § 112.1815, first responders have the right to claim medical treatment under workers’ compensation for mental injuries like PTSD. However, they cannot claim a partial wage or any similar benefits for PTSD unless it stems from a work-related accident that also caused physical injuries.
Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD can be challenging, regardless of your profession. In many cases, the workers’ compensation insurer will initially deny your claim. Our Kissimmee attorneys have extensive experience advocating for workers who suffer from PTSD, and they could help you submit your claim and manage any necessary appeals. In past cases, we were able to obtain a payment of $1.2 million for a worker with both a back injury and psychiatric injuries, and we won more than $16 million for a worker who suffered PTSD and severe burns after a work site explosion.
Disability Claims for PTSD
If your PTSD is so severe that it prevents you from working, you may be entitled to claim disability payments under the Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income programs. We have staff who could help you compile the necessary information and complete the application.
PTSD and Service Members
If you developed PTSD due to your military service, Florida offers its veterans numerous state and local programs that may be helpful, especially if a recent event has exacerbated your symptoms.
VA facilities can offer you medical treatment for your PTSD, and you may also receive federal disability payments depending on how severely your PTSD interferes with your day-to-day life and ability to work. You may also be entitled to assistance with housing, job training, and education. Our Kissimmee PTSD attorneys could help you apply for benefits and appeal any unfavorable decisions.
We could also identify any state and local veteran assistance programs that might offer support. The founding partners of our firm are veterans, and we are proud to help you access the benefits you earned.
Contact Our Kissimmee Attorneys for Help With PTSD Claims
PTSD is a debilitating condition. When you develop PTSD after a preventable accident or workplace mishap, you deserve compensation. If you developed it while serving in the military, there are numerous benefits available to you, and we could help you access them.
Regardless of your specific situation, a Kissimmee post-traumatic stress disorder lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright could help. We only accept money from you if we win your case, so get in touch with us today for a risk-free consultation.