The Emotional Toll of Personal Injury Cases on the Injured and their Families

The emotional toll of personal injury cases on the injured and their families. When people are injured due to
the negligence or recklessness of others, the emotional toll on them and their families can be overwhelming. While a
physical injury may be easier to see, the mental hardships that injury imposes often feel just as much if not more
debilitating. With an experienced and passionate personal
injury lawyer fighting on your behalf, you can let them take on much of the stress for you and secure
maximum compensation while you focus on your physical recovery. You do not have to go through this alone. Call Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online
contact form for a free consultation. With offices in St. Louis, Chicago and elsewhere, our personal injury
attorneys serve the injured through Missouri and Illinois.

*NOTE: As personal injury lawyers, we can help our clients get medical care and compensation for their
losses, including mental pain and anguish. However, we ourselves are not certified mental health professionals.
If you someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse disorders or thoughts of
suicide or self-harm, reach out for help. Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — helpline 314-962-4670, SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) —
helpline 1-800-662-HELP and AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) — hotline 988
exist to help. Get help now.

Understanding the Emotional Toll of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can trigger a range of psychological conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Depression — The injured often experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness due
  to being limited physically, an insurance adjuster not recognizing their claim or other issues. Depression is
  dangerous, in part because it can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and changes in
  appetite.
• Anxiety — People injured in personal injury cases may experience heightened levels of anxiety,
  which can manifest as panic attacks, sweating, rapid heartbeat and restlessness. The anxiety is often caused by
  financial concerns and worrying about not being able to contribute to your family and household.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — PTSD is a common psychological effect after any injury. You
  may experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares about the incident that caused your injury,
  including feelings of panic when getting in a car or approaching certain intersections..
• Anger and Frustration — Being injured because someone else broke the rules is never fair, and it
  often leads to feelings of “Why me?” You did nothing to deserve this, so it’s natural to be angry at the
  people responsible.
• Social Isolation — The injured may feel socially isolated and disconnected from their friends and
  family. They may feel that others do not understand what they are going through or that they are no longer the
  same person they were before the injury.
• Financial Stress — Personal injury cases can result in significant financial stress for the injured
  and their families. Medical bills, lost wages and other expenses can quickly add up, putting them in a difficult
  financial situation.
• A Sense of Loss — You may not be able to participate in activities you once enjoyed, and your
  self-esteem may suffer due to changes in your appearance or abilities. This can create the feeling that
  something was unjustly taken away from you.

The Impact of Personal Injury on Families

Family members of the injured person also experience emotional stress. They may feel helpless or guilty that they
could not prevent the accident. They may also feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for the injured
person. The financial burden can also be stressful, as they may have to take time off work to care for their loved
one or pay for medical expenses. They may feel frustrated by the length of time it takes to resolve the case or
angry at the party responsible for the injury. The legal process can also be confusing, and they may worry about the
outcome.

How to Cope with the Emotional Toll of Personal Injury Cases

It is essential to take care of your emotional health during a personal injury case. If you feel any of the above
sensations creeping in, remember to:

• Seek Support — It is crucial to seek emotional support during this challenging time. Talk to family
  and friends or consider joining a support group. Professional counseling may also be helpful.
• Take Care of Your Physical Health — Physical health and emotional health are closely
  linked. Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise to the extent you’re physically able. Go to
  every appointment and follow every treatment plan your doctor recommends to get back in good health safely and
  quickly.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques — Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing
  exercises can help reduce stress.
• Focus on the Positive — Although it may be challenging, try to focus on the positive aspects of
  your life. Spend time with loved ones and focus on activities you can still do that you enjoy.

Can I Seek Compensation for Emotional Damages in a Personal Injury Claim?

Absolutely. Emotional hardships are a type of non-economic
damage awarded to the injured to compensate them for the less tangible aspects of their injury and make
them whole again. While an injury settlement or verdict can’t erase PTSD or several months of depression
from your past, it can provide a sense of justice and recognition for the true, full value of your injuries. You can
read about how non-economic damages like pain and
suffering are calculated here.

Proving Emotional Anguish in Your Personal Injury Claim

The evidence needed to seek compensation for emotional damages will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
In general, evidence that may be helpful in establishing emotional damages can include:

• Medical records — If you sought treatment for emotional harm, medical records can provide valuable
  evidence of the extent and nature of the emotional harm. This can include records of psychological evaluations,
  therapy sessions and medications prescribed to manage psychological symptoms.
• Testimony from mental health professionals — Testimony from a qualified mental health professional
  can be persuasive in establishing emotional harm. This can include testimony from a therapist, counselor or
  psychiatrist who has treated you for emotional symptoms related to the injury.
• Testimony from the injured — Your own testimony can also be invaluable evidence in establishing
  emotional damages. You can describe how the injury has impacted your emotional state, including changes in mood,
  sleep and overall quality of life. This is your opportunity to go into detail about how your life has changed
  since the accident. It can also be useful to keep a daily journal detailing how the injuries have affected you
  mentally.
• Testimony from friends and family — Witness testimony can also be valuable in establishing
  emotional harm. Witnesses may be able to testify to changes in your behavior or demeanor after the injury,
  including changes in mood or temperament. They’ll also be able to testify to how your injuries have prevented
  you from living your best life.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

In order to receive compensation for a personal injury, it is important to work with an experienced St. Louis
personal injury lawyer who can help navigate the legal process. The lawyer can help gather evidence to support the
case, negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary. But more importantly, we take up
as much of the burden as possible when we take on your case. With an injury lawyer in your corner, you won’t have to
worry about dealing with the insurance company or understanding legal topics and processes. You’ll be able to focus
on what’s most important – your physical and mental health and your family — while we work on securing
you justice and the financial recovery you deserve.

Missouri and Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers | Burger Law

Personal injury cases can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on the injured person and their
families. Coping with the effects of personal injury can be challenging, but with a St. Louis-based personal injury
attorney by your side, the effects can be lessened and, eventually, you’ll receive a significant financial
settlement to help you move forward. If you were injured through no fault of your own in Missouri or Illinois, call
Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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