Experienced Portland Oregon PTSD Injury Attorney
Portland PTSD Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Oregon PTSD injury attorneys
Have You or a Loved One Been Affected by PTSD Due to a Traumatic Event?
The lawyers at Goldberg & Loren in Portland, Oregon, specialize in helping individuals who have suffered from PTSD. They have experience with cases involving motor vehicle accidents, sexual assault, and other traumatic events.
Their compassionate and dedicated team understands how life-changing these injuries can be and strive to help clients every step of the way.
You deserve justice and compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your PTSD. Goldberg & Loren can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced PTSD injury attorney in Portland, Oregon. Don’t wait to get the help and support you need.
Overview of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
PTSD can also develop in people who have experienced prolonged and ongoing trauma, such as abuse or neglect.
With proper treatment, many people with PTSD are able to manage their symptoms and regain a sense of control over their lives.
The first written example of PTSD was The Odyssey/ Achilles, which was written sometime around 700 BC and it has since taken many names. The name psychiatrists gave to PTSD after the Second World War was shell shock. In the modern age, we now understand that trauma and traumatic events are much broader than combat. [1]
Common Causes of PTSD
PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Trauma can take many forms and can vary widely from person to person. Here are some types of injuries that can lead to PTSD:
- Military combat: Service members who have witnessed or experienced combat can develop PTSD.
- Physical or sexual assault: People who have experienced physical or sexual assault, either as children or adults, are at risk for PTSD.
- Natural disasters: People who have lived through natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, can develop PTSD.
- Accidents: Victims of serious accidents, such as car crashes or workplace accidents, may develop PTSD.
- Witnessing violence: Witnesses of violent crimes or acts of terrorism can develop PTSD.
About six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Certain aspects of the traumatic event and some biological factors (such as genes) may make some people more likely to develop PTSD. [2]
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, and not all cases of PTSD are caused by direct personal trauma.
PTSD can also develop from hearing about a traumatic event happening to someone else or from repeated exposure to trauma, such as with emergency responders.
If you are struggling with PTSD, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren. They will assist you in filing a personal injury claim.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
Intrusive Thoughts and Memories
Intrusive thoughts and memories are a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These thoughts and memories may be vivid and intense and can feel overwhelming or intrusive.
They can be triggered by anything that reminds a person of the traumatic event they experienced. These triggers may include sounds, smells, sights, or events that are similar to or associated with the traumatic event.
When triggered, a person with PTSD may experience recurring and highly vivid memories of the traumatic events. These memories can feel as though they are happening again and can be accompanied by intense emotions like fear, anger, or sadness.
Re-Living the Trauma Through Flashbacks or Nightmares
One of the hallmark symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is reliving the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares. When a person with PTSD has a flashback, they may feel as if they are reliving the traumatic event all over again.
This can be a very distressing experience and can leave the person feeling anxious, scared, or overwhelmed. Flashbacks can be triggered by anything that reminds the person of the traumatic event, such as a sound, a smell, or a particular location.
Nightmares are another common symptom of PTSD. People with PTSD may have frequent nightmares in which they relive the traumatic event. These nightmares can be so vivid that the person may wake up feeling disoriented, scared, or upset.
Avoidance of Triggers (People, Places, or Activities)
People with PTSD may try to avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event they experienced.
This avoidance can be a way of coping with the intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and distress that the person associates with the trauma.
While avoidance can provide temporary relief from anxiety, it can also have negative consequences. Avoiding people, places, and activities that remind the person of the trauma can reinforce their sense of fear and lead to social isolation or difficulty engaging in everyday life activities.
Avoidance of trauma reminders can also interfere with the person’s ability to work, socialize, or maintain close relationships with family and friends. As a result, people with PTSD may experience difficulty with school, work, and personal relationships, ultimately impacting their quality of life.
Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking
These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily life and make it difficult to manage relationships, work, or enjoy activities that were once pleasurable.
Feelings of guilt or shame are common in people with PTSD, especially if the traumatic event was a result of actions they took or failed to take. They may experience self-blame or feelings of worthlessness, questioning why they couldn’t prevent the traumatic event.
They may also feel like they have let others down or brought trauma upon themselves, leading to a sense of shame. These feelings can be intense and prolonged, contributing to depression and anxiety.
A sense of detachment is also a symptom of PTSD. This can cause people to withdraw from social situations, feel disconnected from others, or find it difficult to trust others.
Hypervigilance or an Exaggerated Startle Response
People with PTSD often feel a heightened sense of alertness or vigilance in response to potential threats. This hypervigilance can cause people to feel on edge, irritable, and easily startled.
An exaggerated startle response occurs when individuals experience an intense, alarming reaction to a sudden, unexpected stimulation, such as a loud noise. This response can cause a person to feel anxious or paranoid in situations where there is no clear threat or danger.
Hypervigilance and an exaggerated startle response are considered part of the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response to danger. In people with PTSD, this response is often triggered by reminders of the traumatic event.
Even minor stimuli, such as a certain smell, sound, or sight, can trigger the body’s stress response, causing feelings of anxiety or fear.
Difficulty Concentrating
People with PTSD may experience difficulty concentrating or staying focused. This can be attributed to the intrusive thoughts and memories associated with their traumatic experiences, as well as the overwhelming emotions associated with these memories.
Difficulties with concentration can interfere with daily activities, such as work or school, and can lead to increased feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Common Types of Treatments for PTSD
There are several common treatments for PTSD. The most effective treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy or talk therapy. There are different forms of psychotherapy that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT involves exploring the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are associated with PTSD and developing new ways of thinking and responding to those triggers.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR involves using a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimuli to help people process traumatic memories.
In a PTSD study of the benefits of EMDR for Syrian refugees with PTSD, of the 18 participants who received EMDR in a group therapy intervention, just over 61 percent no longer met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis afterward. They also reported fewer symptoms of depression following treatment. [3]
- Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing people to the triggers that remind them of the traumatic event, which can help reduce anxiety and desensitize them to those triggers.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy typically involves meeting with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or licensed therapist, on a regular basis to explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are associated with PTSD.
Other techniques that may help manage symptoms of PTSD include mindfulness meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises.
Calculating Damages for Your Claim
Damages in a PTSD claim are calculated based on the specific facts of the case.
- Medical expenses: This may include the cost of medical treatment for PTSD, such as therapy, medications, and other related medical bills.
- Lost wages: If the person with PTSD has been unable to work due to their condition, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of income and future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: It is understood that PTSD can impact a person's ability to enjoy life and engage in activities they once enjoyed. Damages may be awarded to compensate for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the condition.
- Loss of consortium: Spouses of individuals with PTSD may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship and benefits that would have been received if their spouse did not have PTSD.
In order to pursue a PTSD claim, work with our experienced attorneys in Portland who can assess the specific facts of your case and determine the appropriate damages. Our attorneys can also guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Benefits of Working with Goldberg & Loren PTSD Injury Attorneys
Obtaining Maximum Compensation for Your Claim
Goldberg & Loren is a law firm located in Portland, Oregon that specializes in representing individuals who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a traumatic event. If you have experienced PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation for the mental, emotional, and physical injuries that you have suffered.
Our experienced PTSD lawyers at Goldberg & Loren can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. We are dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for your PTSD claim.
When you work with Goldberg & Loren, you can expect compassionate and personalized attention throughout the entire legal process. We will work with you to gather evidence related to your PTSD claim, including medical records and witness statements as well as using medical experts to build a strong case in your favor. We will work with the insurance company on insurance claims, so you don’t have to.
Have you been dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event that has left you with PTSD?
It can be tough to navigate through the legal system on your own, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Goldberg & Loren in Portland, Oregon, we specialize in assisting individuals suffering from PTSD and other traumatic injuries. With years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you get maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
You deserve to have your voice heard and to receive the fair compensation you need to move forward with your life. Our team understands the challenges of dealing with PTSD and will work tirelessly on your behalf to achieve a fair settlement for your emotional trauma.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced lawyers at Goldberg & Loren. Trust us to fight for your rights!
Sources:
[1] PTSD Treatment | Sabino Recovery. (n.d.). Sabino Recovery. https://www.sabinorecovery.com/what-we-treat/ptsd-treatment/
[2] Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
[3] What You Need to Know About EMDR Therapy. (n.d.). EMDR Therapy: Effectiveness, Process & More. https://www.healthline.com/health/emdr-therapy
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD please contact us today and we'll help you get compensation for your emotional trauma.
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
We Represent Those Who Have Experienced PTSD in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
