San Diego California PTSD Injury Lawyer & Attorney

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, workplace injury, violent attack, or medical malpractice. Unlike physical injuries, PTSD can have long-lasting psychological and emotional effects, often impacting a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and lead a normal life.

If you or a loved one has developed PTSD due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other damages. A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer can help you pursue legal action and secure the financial support you need to recover.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While PTSD is commonly associated with military veterans, it also affects civilians who have suffered serious accidents, violent attacks, or prolonged emotional trauma.

Common Causes of PTSD

PTSD can develop after a wide range of traumatic experiences, including:

Car accidents – High-speed crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, and near-death experiences
Workplace injuries – Falls, machinery accidents, or witnessing a coworker’s death
Physical or sexual assault – Attacks by strangers, domestic abuse, or workplace violence
Medical malpractice – Botched surgeries, birth injuries, or misdiagnoses leading to severe consequences
Childhood abuse or neglect – Long-term trauma from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Natural disasters – Earthquakes, fires, and other catastrophic events
Wrongful death of a loved one – Losing a family member due to negligence or violence

If your PTSD stems from an event caused by negligence or wrongful actions, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer will investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can be debilitating, affecting both mental and physical health. Common signs of PTSD include:

Intrusive thoughts – Flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing memories
Avoidance behaviors – Avoiding places, people, or situations related to the trauma
Mood and cognitive changes – Depression, anxiety, memory loss, or emotional numbness
Hyperarousal symptoms – Irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled
Self-destructive behaviors – Substance abuse, reckless driving, or social withdrawal

A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer can help you prove the extent of your suffering and ensure that your claim accounts for the full impact of your trauma.

Who Can Be Held Liable for PTSD?

If another person or entity’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing caused your PTSD, they may be held legally responsible for your damages. Potentially liable parties include:

Negligent drivers in car, motorcycle, or truck accidents
Employers or supervisors who failed to provide a safe work environment
Property owners who neglected security, leading to assaults or violent incidents
Medical professionals responsible for malpractice or traumatic medical experiences
Caregivers or institutions involved in emotional or physical abuse
Perpetrators of violence, including workplace or domestic violence offenders

A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer will gather evidence, medical records, and expert testimony to establish liability and fight for your rights.

Compensation Available in a PTSD Injury Lawsuit

Victims of PTSD may be entitled to significant compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Potential damages include:

Economic Damages

Medical treatment costs, including therapy and psychiatric care
Medication expenses for antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and PTSD treatments
Lost wages and future earning capacity if PTSD prevents you from working
Rehabilitation expenses for long-term care

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering for psychological trauma
Emotional distress from anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms
Loss of enjoyment of life due to PTSD’s impact on daily activities
Loss of companionship if relationships have been affected

Punitive Damages

If PTSD resulted from gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party.

A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer will fight for maximum compensation to help you recover financially and emotionally.

How a San Diego PTSD Injury Lawyer Can Help

Proving PTSD in a personal injury lawsuit can be challenging since mental injuries are harder to quantify than physical ones. A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer will:

Gather medical records and psychological evaluations to support your claim
Work with PTSD specialists and mental health professionals to demonstrate the severity of your condition
Investigate the accident or traumatic event that caused your PTSD
Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached

With a skilled lawyer on your side, you increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to move forward.

California’s Statute of Limitations for PTSD Claims

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing PTSD-related lawsuits:

Two years from the date of the traumatic event for personal injury claims
One year from the discovery of PTSD symptoms for medical malpractice claims
Six months for claims against government agencies

If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation, so it’s crucial to contact a San Diego PTSD injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Recent PTSD Injury Settlements in California

Several PTSD-related cases in California have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:

$7.5 million for a survivor of a violent attack in an unsecured apartment complex
$6.2 million for a PTSD victim after a horrific car crash caused by a negligent driver
$5.8 million for a worker who developed PTSD following a severe workplace accident

These cases highlight the importance of strong legal representation in PTSD claims.

Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we understand the complexity of PTSD claims and are dedicated to helping victims of psychological trauma recover compensation. We offer:

Decades of experience handling PTSD and personal injury cases
Access to top mental health experts and PTSD specialists
A compassionate, client-focused approach to support you throughout the process
Aggressive legal representation to fight for the highest possible compensation

Contact a San Diego PTSD Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD caused by a traumatic event, you deserve justice and financial security. A San Diego PTSD injury lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to heal.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

References

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Understanding PTSD and Treatment Options. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov
California Psychological Association. (2024). Legal Rights for PTSD Victims in Personal Injury Cases. Retrieved from https://www.cpapsych.org
American Psychiatric Association. (2024). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) PTSD Criteria. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org