Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop in response to traumatic events, including slip and fall accidents. If you believe your PTSD occurred following a slip and fall accident due to another’s negligence or unsafe conditions, it is time to consult a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Florida Slip and Fall Accident

While PTSD psychiatric disorders are commonly associated with combat veterans or survivors of violent crimes, it can also develop in victims who have experienced traumatic events such as slip and fall accidents.

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, you may experience intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror, especially if the fall resulted in severe injuries or if you felt an extreme sense of danger during the incident. These emotions can trigger symptoms of PTSD, which may include:

  • Flashbacks: Vivid and distressing memories of the slip and fall incident that feel as though the event is happening again.
  • Nightmares: Recurrent and frightening dreams related to the accident adding to the emotional trauma.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the accident, including avoiding the location where the fall occurred.
  • Hypervigilance: Heightened arousal or vigilance, often accompanied by an exaggerated startle response or difficulty concentrating. It may also be accompanied by anxiety disorders.
  • Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking: Persistent negative thoughts or beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of detachment from others, and an inability to experience positive emotions.

These symptoms along with the physical injury can significantly impact your quality of life and ability to function in daily activities. These may not be immediately apparent, especially if brain trauma is involved. However, these symptoms will interfere with your work, relationships, and overall well-being, leading to emotional distress and impairment. Speak to a seasoned Florida lawyer to file your slip and fall case and obtain fair compensation for your PTSD and other psychological injuries.

Compensation for PTSD After a Slip and Fall Injury in Florida

You have a right to receive financial compensation for PTSD following a slip and fall injury, provided the PTSD can be linked to the accident and is supported by medical evidence. An experienced Florida slip and fall injury lawyer will do the following to help you obtain maximum compensation:

  • Establish Liability: They will demonstrate that the slip and fall accident was caused by the negligence of the property owner or another party responsible for maintaining safe premises. This may involve gathering evidence, such as witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and documentation of hazardous conditions.
  • Document Injuries and PTSD: You need to obtain medical treatment for physical injuries from blunt trauma sustained in the slip and fall accident. For any resulting psychological trauma, you may require care from a mental health professional. Medical bills, records and expert testimony from mental health professionals can help establish the link between the accident and the development of PTSD.
  • Negotiating a Settlement: In many cases, a slip and fall personal injury claim may be resolved through settlement negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advocate on your behalf, presenting evidence of the accident’s impact on your physical and mental health to negotiate a fair settlement.
  • Litigation (if Necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the injured party may choose to pursue their case in court. A personal injury lawsuit allows for presentation of evidence and testimony before a judge or jury, who will ultimately determine liability and the amount of compensation awarded.

The recovery process following an official PTSD diagnosis may take a long time. You should not have to compromise on obtaining the top medical attention you deserve. Do not let depression, intrusive thoughts, or trouble sleeping affect your daily life. Speak with an attorney today to exercise your legal rights and obtain maximum financial compensation. 

Types of Compensation for PTSD After Slip and Fall Injuries

Compensation for slip and fall injuries, such as PTSD, in Florida can vary depending on several factors such as the physical and mental challenges, severity of the injuries, the impact on the individual’s life, and the circumstances of the accident. In general, compensation for PTSD slip and fall injuries may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Disability and impairment
  • Punitive damages (in exceptional cases)

Importance of Early Legal Representation in Slip and Fall Injury Cases

  • Preservation of Evidence: A dedicated attorney will immediately begin gathering and preserving evidence related to the slip and fall incident, including witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, medical records, and documentation of hazardous conditions. This evidence is essential for establishing liability and proving the link between the accident and the development of PTSD.
  • Timely Medical Evaluation: Early legal representation allows for prompt evaluation and documentation of injuries, physical pain, and psychological trauma by medical professionals. This ensures that the symptoms of PTSD are properly diagnosed, treated, and documented, strengthening the case for compensation.
  • Preventing Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize or deny claims, including downplaying the severity of injuries (such as brain injuries) or disputing the cause of psychological conditions (such as PTSD). Your lawyer may use expert witnesses to prove the falls accident caused emotional distress.
  • Avoiding Statute of Limitations Issues: In Florida, there are strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury claims, including those involving slip and fall accidents. You have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim making it necessary to consult an attorney as early as possible.

Our Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers are Here to Give You the Strongest Legal Support

The experienced slip and fall injury attorneys at Larry Moskowitz, PA offer expert legal representation to PTSD victims and their families. We employ aggressive tactics and leverage our extensive resources and skills to ensure that every dollar you are owed for your injuries and losses is recovered from the at-fault parties. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you or minimize your injuries. Call us today at 866-312-0708 to schedule your free consultation.