Beyond the Courtroom: The Personal Side of Personal Injury Law

August 2, 2024, 10:00AM. By LAS Staff Writer

Experienced personal injury attorneys understand that victims experience emotional and relational damages beyond any financial impact.

Pembroke Pines, FLToo many times, the “personal” in personal injury cases is grossly neglected. Behind the facts of the case lies a human life that has been irrevocably changed. This is something that can never be completely rectified by dollars and cents. With this in mind, it is critical to choose a personal injury attorney who has the empathy to appreciate you and your life’s story through the details of your personal injury case. Keep reading as we dive deep into the personal side of personal injury law. 

What Is the “Personal Side” of Personal Injury Law?

Most victims understand that personal injury law protects them against loss due to the negligence of another party. This type of negligence can result in significant physical and financial damages. Personal injury attorneys help make victims whole after they suffer these kinds of losses.

However, there is also a more human side of personal injury law that can get overlooked. This includes the emotional, psychological, and relational trauma that can be the result of a personal injury incident. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the gravity of these types of mental and relational damages. They will be an invaluable tool in helping the victim return to whole not only physically and financially, but in mind and spirit as well. 

Types of Personal Trauma in Personal Injury Law

There are various types of personal trauma that personal injury victims can suffer. Each is debilitating in its own way and can interfere with the victim’s ability to lead a rich, fulfilling, and productive life. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly occurs to victims who took part in a terrifying event. It is an extremely common condition in survivors of car crashes. Its symptoms can include nightmares, insomnia, persistent bad memories, jumpiness, and withdrawal from activities where there may be risk of an accident. While diagnosis and treatment can help victims manage PTSD, it often lingers for years. In some cases, it lasts a lifetime. 

Depression arises when victims experience an ongoing sense of hopelessness in the aftermath of a personal injury. This is another common condition, as the negligent party seemingly wipes away all of the victim’s hope and dreams through their carelessness. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, lack of interest in favorite pastimes, excessive crying, and suicidal thoughts. If you are experiencing depression as a result of a personal injury case, there are trained psychologists, support groups, and emergency hotlines that specialize in these types of concerns.

Anxiety often arises from the stress caused by a personal injury. Insomnia, feeling that you have no control over your life, unexplained aches, palpitating heart, and excessive sweating are some of its hallmark symptoms. Teletherapy and virtual support groups are some effective ways to help prevent anxiety from overwhelming your life.

Decreased relational intimacy is another issue common to personal injury cases. Victims can become physically and emotionally distant from their partners. They may stop fulfilling their duties as a parent or caretaker. The personal trauma suffered by the victim can trickle over and affect the wellbeing of every other person in their household. 

Mental Health Strategies for Personal Injury Victims

There are numerous strategies that can help personal injury victims suffering from the aforementioned psychological and relational concerns. They can provide the necessary relief victims need to navigate day-to-day life as the case is settled. They can help expedite a return to normalcy once a verdict has been reached.

Professional counseling is one of the most impactful means of re-establishing mental health quality. Specialized counselors and therapists offer insight, advice, coping mechanisms, and emotional support in the wake of a personal injury.

Support groups bring together other victims of personal injuries to help create a sense of community and belonging. They help the victim understand that they are not in it alone and can offer invaluable support, guidance, and empathy to help manage the turbulence. 

Physical therapy can create a relaxing environment that helps the victim decompress. Massages, spa treatments, meditation, and yoga can be effective in balancing mind and body wellness. In addition, general physical activity has some utility in stimulating the release of key endorphins that are connected to feelings of positivity. 

The Role of Personal Injury Lawyers in Navigating Personal Trauma

An experienced personal injury attorney is attuned to the emotional needs of their clients. Their experience and empathy can be therapeutic in and of itself as the case unfolds. According to Erika Garnes of Abogados De Accidentes De Carro Y Lesiones En Miami:

"In personal injury law, true advocacy extends beyond the courtroom; it's about understanding the human story behind the case and guiding clients through their journey towards healing and justice with empathy and compassion." 

Furthermore, a personal injury attorney will be your greatest advocate. They will handle all of the paperwork, documentation, and other forms of 'legalese' to allow you to focus 100% of your time and energy on getting right in mind, body, and spirit.

Finally, personal injury lawyers are experienced in quantifying emotional, psychological, and relational damage and will be adroit at getting it factored into your settlement. 

Don’t Wait: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Behind the facts of every personal injury case is a human life that has been irrevocably thrown off course. This is something that should never be diminished. If you are experiencing personal trauma from an accident and need Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyer expertise, contact Garnes Injury Law for a consultation today!