When it comes to personal injury law, it is evident that physical injury claims often overshadow any claims of emotional distress caused by an accident. This means many individuals are left wondering whether or not their psychological injury claim is valid and they should be entitled to compensation.
In the United Kingdom, the law acknowledges the profound impact of emotional distress on an individual and their quality of life. Consequently, you can claim compensation for particular psychological injuries as a result of an accident.
Understanding the Scope of Psychological Personal Injuries
It is reported by Mind that annually, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue in England and roughly 1 in 6 people will report a struggle with their own mental health each week. These statistics illustrate the prevalence of emotional distress across the nation, supporting the argument that psychological injuries must be considered as equally important as physical injuries.
Emotional distress can manifest in various forms of mental health conditions. Post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and severe anxiety are some of the most common we hear of in the field of personal injury.
Causes of emotional distress
Witnessing an event that could potentially be life-threatening or cause serious harm to yourself or others can lead to a surge in feelings of fear, horror and helplessness. In this moment of shock, the systems of the brain that control the fight or flight responses to perceived threats can become imbalanced.
Road traffic collisions, falls from great height and injuries from machinery are all incredibly distressing events. Suffering an injury as a result of these accidents often leave an individual with new fears of driving, being a passenger in a vehicle or even going to work.
Errors or negligence by healthcare professionals may also lead to profound psychological harm in their patients as well as their families. The devastation of surgical errors or delayed diagnosis can be irreparable and will often leave people suffering from depression, anxiety and in severe cases, suicidal ideations.
Emotional distress may also develop in employees working in stressful environments, or those being harassed or face discrimination in the workplace. Addressing these problems and seeking legal help is a daunting thought for many, as the fear of losing a job can overshadow the issues at hand. Therefore many people do not seek help and their mental health suffers as a result.
Pursuing Compensation for Emotional Distress
Successfully pursuing compensation for emotional distress necessitates establishing a causal link between the psychological injury and the negligent actions of another party. This often involves presenting medical records, witness testimonies, and expert evaluations to substantiate the severity and impact of the emotional harm sustained.
Psychological injuries are more difficult to prove than physical injuries, as many of the symptoms cannot be seen. It is important that if you are suffering with your mental health, you seek help from a medical professional. Not only will they be able to assist with securing the treatment you require, but the details of your injury, the cause as well as any progress will be documented. Which will be beneficial in supporting your claim.
Trust Stonehewer Moss Solicitors
Emotional distress is a significant consequence of many traumatic events, and individuals have the right to seek compensation for the psychological injuries they endure.
Stonehewer Moss, are an esteemed firm recognised by the Association for Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) since 2007. Led by our seasoned Senior Partner, Dominic Moss, a Fellow of APIL for over 15 years, we stand prepared in seeking the maximum compensation for our clients.
Whether your emotional distress stems from workplace incidents, accidents, or other traumatic experiences, our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers are equipped to guide you through the claims process with compassion and expertise.
Understanding the uniqueness of each case, we provide complimentary consultations, either face-to-face or via video link, to comprehensively understand your circumstances and offer tailored assistance in pursuing your claim for emotional distress compensation.
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Talk to our claims solicitor
Call us on freephone 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00
Email us at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk
