The Invisible Damage Caused By Accidents
Being in an accident is stressful. Depending on the severity of the accident, it can be life-altering. As a personal injury practice, we spend a lot of time with our clients talking about physical injuries and the associated costs that come with treating and rehabilitating these injuries. However, we also see again and again the invisible impacts that these accidents can have. Beyond physical injuries, medical bills, and recovery, our clients also often experience prolonged pain and suffering from the trauma of being in an accident. These invisible impacts, including stress, anxiety, and other psychological impacts, are every bit as real and traumatic as the physical injuries -- and they come with medical costs, too!
Listen to Your Body and Your Mind
Whenever we get a call from someone who was recently in an accident, the first thing we recommend is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. It is not always clear immediately after an accident if you are injured or require medical attention. That’s why we always suggest that you listen to your body and seek any medical treatment that you think you may need. A doctor will be able to examine you thoroughly and determine whether you suffered any physical injury. For emotional distress, the advice is the same. Observe your mental state in the days and weeks after an accident. Are you feeling fearful, stressed, or anxious? Are you irritable or having trouble focusing at work? Any of these feelings -- among many others -- can be the result of the stress of an accident. Listen to what your body and your mind are telling you, and seek help if you need it.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts are Real
Before considering a personal injury claim as a result of an accident, look after yourself first. Making sure that your physical and emotional wellbeing are receiving the attention they need is, of course, more important than pursuing financial compensation. However, when you are ready, remember that you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation if you are injured in an accident through no fault of your own. An experienced personal injury attorney can organize your claim and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, healthcare providers, and the negligent party.
Often the value of a personal injury claim is determined by how expensive and extensive medical treatment is as a result of the accident. However, other factors are included in that calculation as well, including how severely the accident impacted your life through pain and suffering and whether the accident caused any prolonged or permanent effects. Emotional and psychological impacts are included in this calculation. Do not feel that, because your injuries are invisible, you will not be able to recover the cost of treatment and your suffering. At Wakefield Law, we regularly work with clients who suffer both physical and emotional impacts from an accident. We include these invisible impacts in our negotiation for your compensation.
Work with an Attorney Who Understands
At Wakefield Law, we have been working with Virginia clients in our personal injury practice for thirty years. Our compassionate and experienced staff are prepared to help you through this difficult experience, and we do our best to make the personal injury legal process as simple and efficient as it can be for you. To learn more about the invisible impacts of accidents and how an experienced attorney can help you, give Wakefield Law a call at 703-771-9740.