Can You Sue for a Mental Illness Caused by a Personal Injury?

brain injury attorneyIn today’s world, the impact of a personal injury goes beyond just physical harm. Mental health is equally important and can be significantly affected by accidents or injuries. If you’re in Atlanta and have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you might be wondering if you can take legal action for the mental illness this experience has caused. Below, Butler Kahn sheds light on this subject, clarifying potential legal remedies for mental illnesses resulting from personal injuries.

Link Between Personal Injury and Mental Health

When you suffer a personal injury, the focus is often on the physical injuries you sustain. However, the trauma from such an event can also lead to severe mental health issues. These might include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other significant forms of emotional distress. The law recognizes the profound impact that physical injuries can have on one’s mental health and offers a pathway for victims to seek compensation not only for their physical injuries but for their mental suffering as well. If you’re looking for assistance, a personal injury lawyer in San Jose can provide valuable insights.

Legal Grounds for Claiming Compensation

In Georgia, the law allows you to pursue compensation for mental illnesses caused by a personal injury, provided you can demonstrate that these issues are directly related to the accident. This means showing that your mental health condition was not present before the injury and that it has significantly affected your quality of life. For those cases, evidence plays a crucial role. Medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and expert testimony can all contribute to show the link between the injury and your mental health condition.

Proving Mental Health Claims

One of the biggest challenges in these cases is proving that the mental illness is a direct result of the personal injury. Mental health conditions can be complex and subjective, making them harder to quantify compared to physical injuries. So, it’s crucial to work with mental health professionals who can provide a clear diagnosis and relate your condition directly to the incident. Additionally, maintaining records of your treatment, symptoms, and how they’ve impacted your daily life will be important in building a strong case.

The Legal Process

Pursuing a claim for mental illness resulting from a personal injury can be complex and requires a deep understanding of the law. It involves gathering extensive evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and possibly going to court. For many, this process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the effects of a mental health condition. This is where the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer become invaluable. A lawyer can manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Seeking Legal Help From Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers

Butler FirmIf you’re in Atlanta and believe your mental illness is the result of a personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence, talk with a lawyer. The experienced attorneys at Butler Kahn are here to help. We understand these cases and are focused on fighting for the compensation you deserve.

To discuss your legal rights and options, contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or reaching out online for a consultation with an attorney. Our team provides personalized service to each of our clients, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn