Fort Lauderdale PTSD Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Fort Lauderdale PTSD injury lawyers
Fort Lauderdale PTSD Injury Attorney
We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience and knowledge in handling PTSD cases, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation for individuals like you.
We understand the impact that PTSD can have on your life, and we are passionate about helping you obtain the justice and financial support you need to move forward. Our Fort Lauderdale’s premier PTSD injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Contact Goldberg & Loren at (954) 758-4553 today to schedule a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process. Don’t suffer in silence – take action, and let us help you fight for your rights.
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychological condition that develops in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is a disorder that affects not only veterans but also people who have witnessed accidents, physical assaults, natural disasters, or any other distressing events.
Not all of these causes of PTSD will result in a personal injury claim. If someone else is responsible for the cause of your PTSD, our PTSD injury attorneys want to talk to you and help you sort through your legal options.
1 in 13 people will develop PTSD at some point in their life. [1]
Common Causes of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be caused by any kind of trauma.
Auto accidents are one of the more common causes of PTSD, but there are many potential causes, including:
- Car Accident: One common cause of PTSD is being involved in a severe car accident or other types of transportation accidents. The sudden impact and the fear experienced during such accidents can leave lasting psychological scars.
- Violence: Violent incidents such as physical assault, sexual assault, or domestic abuse can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health and potentially lead to the development of PTSD.
- Military Experience: The constant exposure to violence, witnessing the death or injury of comrades, and the profound stress of wartime can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental well-being. Veterans often struggle with readjusting to civilian life and may require specialized treatment and support to manage their symptoms.
- Childhood Trauma: Childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, can also lead to the development of PTSD later in life. Children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of trauma, and these experiences can shape their emotional and psychological development long into adulthood.
- Traumatic Events: Being a victim of a crime, witnessing a tragic accident, or experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency can also trigger PTSD in individuals. What is considered traumatic can vary from person to person, as it depends on individual factors, previous experiences, and coping mechanisms.
Potential Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is experiencing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. This can include vivid and distressing memories, nightmares, or even feeling like you are reliving the event.
- Avoidance: People with PTSD often try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. This may include avoiding certain places, people, activities, or even conversations. It is a coping mechanism to prevent further distress, but it can also isolate individuals and interfere with their ability to function in everyday life.
- Hyperarousal: This can manifest as feeling constantly on edge, being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, or having trouble concentrating. People with PTSD may also experience irritability, anger, or engage in reckless behaviors as a way to cope with their heightened emotions.
- Emotional and Cognitive Changes: Individuals may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame related to the traumatic event. They may also have negative thoughts about themselves or others and struggle with feelings of fear, hopelessness, or detachment. Some people with PTSD may experience a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed or have difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
- Physical Symptoms: PTSD can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or an increased heart rate.
How is PTSD Diagnosed?
Clinical Assessment:
This assessment involves a thorough evaluation of the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and any potential trauma experienced. The psychiatrist will ask questions about the traumatic event, the individual’s emotional and behavioral responses, and how these symptoms affect their daily life.
Diagnostic Criteria:
Mental health professionals refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which provides a set of criteria for diagnosing PTSD. According to the DSM-5, an individual must have experienced a traumatic event and exhibit a specific set of symptoms for at least one month to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Assessment Tools:
To assist in the diagnostic process, mental health professionals often use standardized assessment tools and questionnaires. These tools are designed to measure the severity and frequency of PTSD symptoms, helping professionals gain a better understanding of the individual’s condition. Some commonly used assessment tools include the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).
Differential Diagnosis:
Healthcare professionals will assess whether the individual’s symptoms could be better explained by another disorder, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or adjustment disorders. This process, known as differential diagnosis, ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Related Information
Treatment for PTSD
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to help individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their PTSD symptoms. This therapy often involves exposure therapy, where the individual gradually and safely confronts the memories or situations that trigger their distress. By doing so, they can learn to diminish the fear and anxiety associated with these triggers. [2]
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
This therapy incorporates elements of exposure therapy and focuses on the individual’s eye movements while they recall traumatic memories. EMDR helps individuals reprocess their traumatic experiences and reduce the distress associated with those memories.
Medication
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other medications, such as prazosin, may be used to target specific PTSD symptoms like nightmares and sleep disturbances.
Compensation for PTSD Claims in Fort Lauderdale
A Fort Lauderdale PTSD injury claim may include medical expenses, therapy costs, prescription medications, and any other necessary medical treatments. You may be able to seek compensation for lost wages if your PTSD has caused you to be unable to work or has affected your earning capacity.
Compensation for PTSD can also include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress caused by the traumatic event and subsequent PTSD.
Get a Free Consultation From a Fort Lauderdale PTSD Lawyer
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and searching for an experienced injury lawyer to handle your PTSD personal injury claim, look no further than Goldberg & Loren.
If someone else’s negligence or actions caused your PTSD, we will work diligently to gather substantial evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies, to support your claim.
Our Post-traumatic stress disorder lawyers have strong relationships with medical professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists who can provide expert testimony on the impact of the traumatic event and the resulting PTSD.
Our hard-hitting personal injury lawyers will fight aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and any other financial losses you have incurred due to your PTSD.
Are you struggling with PTSD after a traumatic event? You don't have to face this battle alone.
The PTSD injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren are experienced with PTSD claims, compassionate, and dedicated to getting you the compensation and support you deserve.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Sources:
[1] Digital, A. (2023, August 31). PTSD Statistics and Facts to know in 2024. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/ptsd/ptsd-statistics
[2] Wolmark, M. (2023, February 26). 50 PTSD Statistics & Facts: How Common Is It? www.goldenstepsaba.com. https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/resources/ptsd-statistics
If you've experienced PTSD in Fort Lauderdale as a result of a traumatic event, reach out to Goldberg & Loren for dedicated support and prompt assistance. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a swift response and unwavering advocacy.
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