When people are hurt in preventable accidents that result from other people’s negligent conduct, the focus usually falls on the physical injuries they suffer. In many cases, though, the psychological harm caused by negligence can be just as bad as the physical harm, or sometimes it can be even worse. Here are just a few ways that victims of negligence can suffer psychologically, as well as physically:
- Difficulty sleeping or waking up
- One of the most common symptoms that people suffer after a serious accident is a major disruption to their sleep schedule. Some suffer from insomnia, finding it more difficult to fall asleep and suffering the effects of sleep deprivation as a result. Others may find it more difficult to wake up, regularly oversleeping and finding themselves late to work or other important appointments. Either way, this can have serious repercussions on a person’s life.
- Changes in eating habits
- Another common side effect of serious accidents is a major change in people’s eating habits. People who once had large appetites may find themselves unable to stomach food, while those who once ate sparingly may find themselves eating uncontrollably. Both are potential signs of psychological harm, and may be indicative of some deeper issues resulting from your accident.
- Phobias or other anxiety issues
- People who get into major accidents often find themselves suffering from phobias related to that accident. People who get into motor vehicle accidents, for example, may find it difficult to get into a car, while others may find themselves avoiding the scene of the accident. Some people will instead feel a general sense of anxiety or dread, which may be a sign of a deeper psychological trauma.
- Depression or mood swings
- Serious accidents can also have a significant impact on people’s mood, potentially driving them into depression. It may also result in unpredictable mood swings, causing someone’s emotions to change wildly without apparent cause. Both of these symptoms can be a sign of major psychological problems that result after a major accident.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD, can often be seen in victims of serious accidents. This serious psychological condition can result in nightmares, flashbacks, hypersensitivity to bright lights or loud noises, and other symptoms that can make it much harder to handle day-to-day life. People who struggle with PTSD often find both their personal and professional life impacted as they deal with the effects the condition has on their lives.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts.
