Service-Connected PTSD & Civilian Personal Injury Claims

Special Damages for Veterans Injured in Preventable Civilian Accidents

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder developed by some individuals who experience shocking, life-threatening, and frightening events. While PTSD can develop in victims of auto accidents, natural disasters, violent personal assaults, and acts of terror, it has been strongly associated with military combat and service.

Often, military veterans who return to civilian life have difficulties controlling their condition, managing physical and psychological symptoms, and addressing related consequences, including:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Emotional and behavioral changes
• Depression and negative or frightening thoughts
• Substance abuse
• Difficulties with social and family life (occupational instability, marital problems, etc.)
• Avoidance symptoms (avoiding objects, events, places, or thoughts that remind them of the traumatic experience)
• Arousal and reactivity symptoms (being startled easily, tenseness, difficulty sleeping, anger, etc.)
• Mood and cognition symptoms (memory problems, feelings of guilt or blame, lost interest in once enjoyable activities, etc.)

The numerous symptoms and consequences of PTSD can range in severity and frequency, affecting a person on an on-going basis (chronic) or for a short amount of time (acute). In any situation, those symptoms and issues can relapse, be made worse, or become more frequent when new traumatic events occur. That is especially true of new accidents and injuries veterans with PTSD suffer as civilians.

Personal Injury Claims & PTSD Special Damages

Personal injury claims and lawsuits provide victims who suffer preventable injuries caused by another’s negligence (i.e. a negligent driver or careless property owner) with the opportunity to hold an at-fault party financially liable for their damages. These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other emotional, physical, and financial losses. While victims can suffer any number of damages following preventable accidents and injuries, veterans diagnosed with PTSD often suffer from issues and repercussions many civilians do not.

For example, a car accident, slip and fall accident, or other accident resulting in a new injury can:

• Cause PTSD symptoms to relapse, become worse, or become more frequent
• Jeopardize any improvement in their condition
• Create disruption in their personal lives, relationships, and professional career
• Compromise the work veterans have done to manage PTSD and symptoms
• Prevent veterans from engaging in productive therapy
• Prevent veterans from engaging in self-care practices that previously helped them manage their PTSD, including exercise regimens, healthy habits, hobbies, and other routines
• Result in a marked reduction in their quality of life, considerable pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other emotional injuries

Given the fact that veterans with PTSD can be impacted tremendously when they suffer new injuries, addressing those challenges becomes a critical part in illustrating the full scope of their damages. By demonstrating these unique issues – whether through evidence, expert testimony, and / or clear arguments – our firm helps veterans seek financial recoveries that not only account for standard damages like medical bills and lost income, but also special damages many would not otherwise consider or immediately understand.

At Biren Law Group, we have extensive experience representing veterans in their civilian personal injury cases, as well as supporting various veteran-focused organizations that help raise awareness and resources for veterans in need. Our insight can prove invaluable when vets need to demonstrate and recover special damages in relation to their PTSD and new injuries, whether during negotiations with insurance companies for full and fair settlements, or litigating before juries and judges at trial.

Discuss Your Case with a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Biren Law Group is available to help service members, veterans, and families throughout Southern California after they have been injured by the negligent or wrongful acts of others. We understand the challenges vets face because we actively handle these cases, and we have the tools and resources to not only address these unique issues in personal injury cases, but also provide veterans with the comprehensive support they deserve.

To discuss a potential case with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our firm, call (310) 896-4345 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.