Personal injury cases don’t just involve physical harm. Many people who have been injured by someone else’s negligence also experience emotional and psychological harm. At the Aranda Law Firm in El Paso, we understand the challenges our clients face and fight for justice on behalf of those who have suffered both physically and emotionally. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between physical and psychological injuries, and how they are addressed in personal injury claims.
If you’re dealing with an injury, whether physical or psychological, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call the Aranda Law Firm today at (915) 996-9914 to schedule a consultation.
What Are Physical Injuries?
Physical injuries are the most common type of harm involved in personal injury cases. These are injuries that affect the body, such as broken bones, cuts, burns, or other physical trauma. When someone is injured due to another person’s negligence, they may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Negligence refers to careless or reckless behavior that causes harm to another person. In personal injury law, negligence means that the responsible party failed to act in a way that a reasonable person would have in the same situation. For example, if someone runs a red light and causes a car accident, they may be found negligent and responsible for the other driver’s injuries.
Common Types of Physical Injury Cases
Here are a few common types of physical injury cases that personal injury attorneys handle:
- Car Accidents: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury claims. If a driver is distracted, speeding, or otherwise careless, they may cause an accident that results in physical injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, or head trauma.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians who are hit by a vehicle often suffer severe injuries because they have little protection compared to people inside a car. Common pedestrian injuries include broken bones, spinal injuries, and brain injuries.
- Defective Products: When a product is poorly designed or improperly manufactured, it can cause harm to consumers. For example, a defective car part could lead to a crash, or a dangerous toy could injure a child.
- Trespassing Accidents: If someone enters another person’s property without permission and gets hurt due to dangerous conditions, they may have a personal injury claim depending on the circumstances. Property owners may be held responsible for injuries that occur on their premises.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to a patient’s injury. Examples include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and failure to properly treat a condition.
In cases involving physical injuries, victims may need medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work. A personal injury attorney helps clients seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are Psychological Injuries?
Psychological injuries refer to the emotional or mental harm a person suffers as a result of an incident, often alongside physical injuries. However, a psychological injury does not always need to be tied to a physical injury. For example, if someone experiences severe emotional distress after being the victim of harassment or a traumatic event, they may be able to file a personal injury claim for their psychological harm.
Psychological injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to work, interact with others, or enjoy daily activities. In some cases, the emotional trauma of an event can last longer than the physical injuries. Examples of psychological injuries include:
- Depression: After a traumatic event, a person may experience long-term sadness or hopelessness that affects their ability to function.
- Anxiety: Fear, worry, and nervousness are common reactions to a traumatic event, especially when a person’s safety was at risk.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can occur after a person experiences a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
- Insomnia: Many people who have suffered emotional trauma struggle with sleep, either due to nightmares or an inability to relax.
In a personal injury case, emotional and psychological injuries are just as important as physical injuries. Victims can seek compensation for the emotional distress they’ve experienced due to someone else’s negligence.
Psychological Injuries Often Accompany Physical Injuries
Many personal injury cases involve both physical and psychological injuries. For example, a person injured in a car accident may experience pain and suffering from physical injuries, but they may also struggle with fear, anxiety, or PTSD after the crash. According to a study published by the National Institute of Mental Health, about 39.2% of car accident survivors develop symptoms of PTSD, and about 30% experience depression afterward. These psychological effects can have a lasting impact on a person’s life, and they should be considered when seeking compensation.
If you’ve experienced emotional trauma due to an injury or another person’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for both your physical and psychological injuries.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer represents clients who have been harmed due to another person’s negligence. This includes both physical and psychological injuries. At the Aranda Law Firm, our team is experienced in handling cases involving all types of injuries, and we are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Here’s how a personal injury attorney can assist you:
- Evaluating Your Case: A personal injury lawyer will assess your case to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. They will look at the evidence, the extent of your injuries, and whether negligence was involved.
- Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will collect evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements with insurance companies. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court and fight for your rights.
If you or someone you know has suffered physical or psychological harm due to another person’s negligence, contact the Aranda Law Firm at (915) 996-9914. We are dedicated to helping clients in El Paso navigate the legal process and recover the compensation they deserve.
Contact the Aranda Law Firm
Understanding the differences between physical and psychological injuries is important when pursuing a personal injury claim. Both types of harm can have a significant impact on your life, and you deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. At the Aranda Law Firm, we are here to help you every step of the way. If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, call us today at (915) 996-9914 to schedule a consultation.
