When the topic of personal injury cases gets tossed around, people often think about physical injuries, medical bills, and legal battles.But another aspect should be considered—mental health also comes into play, and it matters a lot for several reasons. With the staggering number of 39.5 million personal injury cases requiring medical treatment in the U.S. each year, and the proportional estimate suggesting that around 2.25 million of those cases happen in New York alone, it’s essential to understand how mental health can significantly influence these situations.
Not Just a Side Note
Mental health often takes a backseat in personal injury discussions, but it really should not. Emotional distress following an injury can be just as debilitating as physical pain. When a person suffers from an injury, it can disrupt their everyday life, and lead to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports this, indicating that roughly 19% of adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. This means that people involved in personal injury cases often face a double whammy of dealing with their physical injuries while struggling with mental health challenges. In other words, the mental toll can drastically affect how you approach your recovery and legal proceedings. And, if mental health issues are overlooked during your case, it could affect the compensation you might receive.
Clear Mind Equals Better Decisions
When it comes to personal injury cases, a clear mind really helps with decision-making and overall performance. Mental clarity can play a vital role in gathering accurate details about what happened during the incident. Many witness testimonies rely heavily on the mental state of the injured party and those involved. If someone is grappling with mental health issues, they might struggle to convey their experiences clearly, and let critical information slip through the cracks. But when you feel mentally grounded, you can articulate what happened and understand the steps you need to take in advance. This clarity can lead to more favorable outcomes in court, especially when you aim for the compensation you truly deserve. A study focused on jury verdicts in New York found that the median compensatory damages award for personal injury trials stands at $287,628. Given this amount, it makes sense to focus on your mental well-being to secure the best possible result.
Hire an NYC Injury Attorney
A personal injury case is an uphill battle, but you don’t have to do it alone. What’s more, it’s not advise that you do, which is where hiring professionals like NYC Injury Attorneys P.C. comes into play. When you have an experienced attorney, it means you will have someone looking out for your interests while also understanding the emotional difficulties you might face. Simply put, proper legal representation can increase the likelihood of receiving higher compensation. You do not want to leave any money on the table, especially when dealing with medical bills and ongoing treatment. An attorney familiar with the NYC landscape will make sure to advocate for the mental health aspect of your case, and allow you to address every possible avenue for compensation.
Mental health deserves as much attention as physical injuries when dealing with personal injury cases. So, as you move through your recovery and legal proceedings, remember that being in a good mental space makes all the difference.
