A mental health injury is an injury to the psyche or emotional state of an individual. Mental health injuries can occur as a result of many different life events, such as witnessing a traumatic event, experiencing abuse or neglect, or suffering from a chronic illness.
Signs of this type of injury can include excessive sadness, difficulty enjoying normal activities, inability to complete tasks, panic attacks, and other emotional problems. Below, we explore how victims may be able to obtain compensation for these types of injuries.
Liability For Mental Health Injuries
Many different people could be held liable for a mental health injury. If the injury was caused by an accident, the person who caused the accident may be held responsible. If the injury was caused by exposure to a traumatic event, the person who created the event may be held responsible.
For example, if someone is sexually assaulted, the attacker may be held liable for the victim’s resulting post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other related mental health conditions. If someone is exposed to workplace stress, the employer may be held liable.
Compensation For A Mental Health Injury
When someone suffers a mental health injury, they may be able to receive compensation for their damages. The type and amount of compensation will vary depending on the facts of the case, but it can include damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
In some cases, the person who caused the mental health injury may be liable for punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. They are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was excessively egregious.
What A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do
Getting help from an attorney as soon as possible after your injury is important, as there are time limits for filing lawsuits called the statute of limitations. An experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the legal system and ensure that your case is filed in a timely manner.
If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will be able to handle all aspects of the case, including filing the necessary paperwork, gathering evidence, and representing you in court. They will also be able to negotiate on your behalf to try and reach a settlement that is fair for you.
Call Chalker Injury Law today for help by dialing (678) 319-9991 or toll-free at (800) 393-8595.