Although car accidents are frequent in Toledo, OH, few of their victims are aware of the fact that the compensation they claim can cover other expenses besides car damages and immediate property damages. For example, experiencing depression after a car accident may include the cost of therapy and even their emotional trauma in their accident claim.
It is no secret that depression is a common consequence of car accidents, not only in Ohio but around the world. A recent study shows that, by the eleventh week after a motor vehicle accident, more than 50% of the adults who incurred injuries meet the diagnosis criteria for major depressive disorder and almost 20% meet the criteria for a post-traumatic stress disorder. The same study acknowledges that depression has long-term repercussions like:
- High disorder management costs
- Increased risk of severe disability
- Poor social integration
- Late return to work
- Low quality of life
The key to obtaining compensation for depression-related expenses, losses, and suffering is to work with an experienced car accident attorney. As with any other type of damages or losses, in order to obtain compensation for depression, one needs to prove its origins (the car accident), its progression, the cost and viability of the treatment, and the consequences of the condition.
This is easier said than done, especially for someone fighting physical injuries along with depression, but it is part of everyday routine for an experienced car accident lawyer in Toledo OH. As the latter will confirm, anyone trying to seek compensation for depression following a car accident should follow three main important steps.
Steps to Follow in Order to Obtain Compensation for Depression after a Car Accident in Toledo, OH
1. Get Diagnosed
No one will award compensation for a condition that does not exist, so obtaining a clear diagnosis of the condition should be a priority for any car accident victim. Depending on the circumstances and the doctor consulted, diagnosing depression may involve a physical exam and blood tests meant to rule out other conditions.
2. Seek Treatment
Depending on the severity of the condition and on the doctors’ recommendations, treating depression after a car accident may require medication, therapy, or a combination of both. The patient should keep the medical bills and pharmacy receipts to prove the costs incurred and include them in the compensation claim.
3. Document Pain and Suffering
Not only is the condition itself distressful and difficult to deal with, but the drugs prescribed to treat it can have powerful side effects. Car accident victims should gather evidence of their distress and pain and suffering, and seek compensation for these as well. Drugs leaflet copies, doctor or therapist letters, specialty articles, and expert witness testimonies can qualify as evidence.
4. Assess Future Financial Implications
Treating depression is a long-term process. Sometimes, the condition continues to impact the patient’s quality of life even if the latter has received treatment. When that happens, the car accident victim can estimate the costs of future therapies, lost wages, and even loss of future earning capacity due to depression and include them in the compensation claim.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Those Feeling Depressed after a Car Accident
Anyone dealing with depression may have a hard time following the above-described steps, putting together a solid compensation claim, and following the necessary procedures to actually obtain the due compensation.
A car accident lawyer can help and advise car accident victims every step of the way. Someone feeling depressed after a car accident may have a hard time focusing on gathering evidence, but an experienced lawyer will conduct their own investigation and guide their client every step of the way.
Insurance companies may try to take advantage of the car accident victim’s precarious physical and mental health and convince them into signing detrimental settlement agreements. A Toledo car accident attorney will carefully analyze any document before their client signs it, and will not rest until obtaining a fair settlement for their client.
By taking over the claim preparation, filing, and negotiation process and by providing advice and legal support every step of the way, a car accident attorney can help their client recover from depression after a car accident and get their life back on track.
Let a Toledo Car Accident Lawyer Get You Compensation for Depression after a Car Accident
If you are feeling depressed after a car accident, the best way to obtain peace of mind, recover the cost of your treatment, and compensate your pain and suffering is to let an experienced car accident lawyer handle your compensation claim.
At the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers, we have been helping Toledo clients seek compensation for their depression-related expenses and pain and suffering for years. We can help you too. Call us get in touch to obtain a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys and find out how to obtain compensation for depression after a car accident in Toledo, OH.
