Does Compensation Cover Mental Trauma?

When making a claim for personal injury, physical injuries are often the main issue; however, emotional trauma usually accompanies physical injuries yet it is much harder to measure. Emotional or mental trauma symptoms can be particularly severe, and treating them takes time and expertise. Thankfully, there are avenues for filing a claim for mental trauma compensation. Continue reading to discover more about this kind of personal injury and the compensation available. 

What is Mental Trauma?

Mental trauma is defined as a type of psychological injury that occurs as a result of exposure to a traumatic event. This event can be something that threatened or caused serious harm, or even death. It can also be an event that leaves the individual feeling powerless or helpless. Mental trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s mental and emotional health, as well as their physical health.

Symptoms of Mental Trauma

Mental trauma can manifest in a variety of ways. Some individuals may experience short-term effects, while others may struggle with long-term effects. Symptoms of mental trauma can include:

-Intrusive thoughts or memories of the event

-Flashbacks or nightmares

-Avoidance of anything that reminds them of the event

-Hypervigilance or increased anxiety

-Difficulty concentrating

-Irritability or mood swings

-Sleep problems

-Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with the necessary support and treatment to help you heal from your trauma.

Different types of mental trauma

There are different types of mental trauma. Some people may experience a single traumatic event, while others may experience multiple traumas. Trauma can occur in many ways, and no two people will react in exactly the same way.

One type of mental trauma is known as complex trauma. This occurs when someone experiences multiple traumas, often of a prolonged or repeated nature. Complex trauma can have a profound and long-lasting impact on a person’s mental health.

Another type of mental trauma is known as vicarious trauma. This occurs when someone witnesses or hears about a traumatic event, even if they did not experience it directly. Vicarious trauma can be just as devastating as direct trauma, and can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

No matter what type of mental trauma someone has experienced, it is important to remember that there is help available.

How mental trauma affects productivity

Mental trauma can have a significant impact on productivity. People who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to concentrate or stay focused on tasks. They may also have difficulty sleeping, which can further impair their ability to function during the day. Additionally, people who are struggling with mental trauma may take more sick days or be less productive when they are at work.

How mental trauma is diagnosed

There is no one “right” way to diagnose mental trauma. However, there are certain criteria that must be met in order for a diagnosis to be made. These criteria are set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book used by mental health professionals in the United States.

In order to be diagnosed with mental trauma, a person must have experienced (or witnessed) a traumatic event that meets certain criteria. The event must have been an extreme or life-threatening situation, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist attack, or violent assault. The person must also have responded to the event with fear, horror, or disorganized or agitated behavior.

In addition, the person must have experienced one or more of the following symptoms for at least one month after the event:

-Intrusive thoughts or memories of the event

-Nightmares about the event

-Flashbacks in which they feel like they are re-experiencing the event

-Intense or prolonged fear, anxiety, or grief

-Avoidance of people, places, or activities that remind them of the event

-Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

-Irritability or outbursts of anger

How mental trauma is treated

There are a variety of effective treatments available for mental trauma. Treatment can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some common treatments for mental trauma include:

-Cognitive behavioral therapy

-Exposure therapy

-Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

-Medication

What compensation can you get for mental trauma?

If you have experienced mental trauma, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, disability benefits, or other forms of financial assistance. These benefits can help you cover the costs of treatment and make ends meet while you recover.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is provided by employers in the United States. If you are injured at work, or become ill as a result of your job, workers’ compensation will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. In some states, workers’ compensation will also provide benefits for mental trauma that occurs as a result of work-related events.

Disability benefits are another type of financial assistance that may be available to people who have experienced mental trauma. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government-sponsored program that provides benefits to people who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain period of time and paid into the Social Security system.

Other forms of financial assistance can include a settlement or trial verdict of a personal injury claim. In negotiating or pleading your case, an attorney will include mental trauma and its effects in addition to physical injuries. It is important to hire an attorney who has experience helping clients find the right expertise to resolve the trauma and who understands the effects on victims. 

Mental trauma is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health. If you are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event, it is important to seek professional help. There are a variety of effective treatments available for mental trauma, and a mental health professional can help you find the treatment that is right for you.

It is also important to get legal representation for any compensation that you are entitled to and that will help you cover the costs of treatment and make ends meet while you recover. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of applying for these benefits and getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact our friendly team at Breit Biniazan today for specialized expertise on mental trauma compensation.