When we read about PTSD in the papers, we often associate it with the armed forces and those returning from war zones and battle situations. However, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect anyone who has experienced a level of overwhelming trauma in their lives. Witnessing or experiencing a natural disaster, terrorist incidents, childbirth, car accidents or assault are also known to cause the effects of PTSD. After a harrowing event most people will experience some of the signs associated with PTSD. Bad dreams, reliving the event and feeling fearful are all very commonplace reactions and this is a normal response for the human body to go through in response to some very unusual events.
These symptoms for many people are only short term and over time they dilute, and became distant memories without causing any significant long lasting damage. However, for some people the symptoms do not go away. This is when the trauma manifests itself as a psychiatric disorder and the symptoms have a significant impact on the person’s day to day life and prevents them from engaging in everyday situations with ease.
It was reported that after the traumatic event of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York there was an upsurge in reported PTSD cases amongst those who involved in the tragedy. Those who lived very close to where the disaster happened were found to have higher rates of PTSD than those who were much further away. Even mental health relief workers that were sent for one week to Ground Zero showed signs of PTSD as a result of the exposure they had at Ground Zero. Even hearing stories from those who survived the attacks were reported to have a level of PTSD.
It is estimated that around 3 million people are injured in car accidents each year, and those who suffered injuries and needed medical assistance were very likely to suffer from PTSD symptoms. In fact it is thought that almost 50% develop PTSD. Surprisingly, it is not just the very serious accidents that cause PTSD but factors including the victims’ perception of the accident play a large part in the development of PTSD. One study claims that the actual awareness of danger to your life was the strongest predictor for PTSD six months after the event. It is also thought that avoidance behaviors, the silencing of thoughts about the accident, reflection about the event and detachment were most powerfully connected with PTSD symptoms two to six months after an accident.
Jason Brady at Holmes & Hills solicitors is a specialist in representing sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder and making compensation claims for PTSD on their behalf. Jason represents clients across the UK including military personnel suffering as a result of seeing active combat in war zones around the world, through to those involved in car accidents and victims of crime. If you have been affected by an accident that has caused you to experience PTSD then you may be able to make a PTSD compensation claim.
No win, no fee PTSD compensation
Call Jason Brady on 01376 529299 for free initial legal advice and information on our no win, no fee claims services.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other
professional advice. The information given in this article is correct at the date of publication.
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