PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an illness that may affect those who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event. The illness manifests itself in many ways mentally, emotionally and physically. Those who suffer from PTSD may find their hearts racing if a car alarm goes off or a fire engine drives by. They may have nightmares or difficulty sleeping or be plagued by horrifying flashbacks of the original event at inopportune moments. Sufferers may become angry or sad easily or experience guilt if others died in the event while they survived. They may also suffer physically from the effects of long-term high levels of stress, with heart disease, high blood pressure, TMJ, tense muscles and problematic digestion or elimination. Sufferers may have difficulty forming close relationships or be uncharacteristically violent.

PTSD can be caused by many events and accidents. Those serving in the armed forces have a high incidence of PTSD from prolonged and continued exposure to multiple terrifying events. Any kind of accident where the victim's life is threatened or where it seems like the victim's life is threatened can cause PTSD. The victims of a dog attack, a serious car accident or an intense workplace accident may all develop PTSD. For all the reasons above PTSD may cause dramatic, life-altering, negative changes in the lives of the sufferers. If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD due to an accident these damages can be ameliorated or assuaged by receiving adequate compensation for your suffering from those legally responsible for the accident or injury.

Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after any accident, and especially if the victim seems to be suffering from some or all of the symptoms of PTSD. Experienced and professional attorneys are well equipped to handle even the most nuanced and complicated PTSD injury claims. For those suffering the mental anguish of PTSD it is nearly impossible to be organized, energetic and proactive enough to gather the required documentation, assess the appropriate liability of the responsible parties and determine the correct amount of compensation that you are due. Filing a personal injury claim involves careful negotiations with insurance company claims adjusters, who are specialists at avoiding payments. A PTSD claim may also lead to a court trial which can be traumatic and difficult. Instead, it is better to trust an attorney to work to help you receive adequate compensation for your PTSD.