Psychological Issues After an Atlanta Slip-and-Fall: Can I Get Compensation?

Slips and falls tend to cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and you might be struggling with various psychological challenges if you have experienced this firsthand. Even though mental or emotional issues might not translate directly into financial losses, they should still be compensable under Georgia’s personal injury laws. Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney in Atlanta to learn more.

You Can Recover Non-Economic Damages for a Slip-and-Fall Injury 

Non-economic damages are “compensable” after a slip and fall in Atlanta. In other words, the civil courts in Georgia recognize that your psychological issues represent real losses, even if these losses are not financial in nature. They are still “worth something,” and that means you should receive compensation.

How Do I Prove Non-Economic Damages in Atlanta? 

In order to recover compensation for your non-economic damages, you must prove that they actually exist. Various types of evidence could be useful, and your attorney can guide you in the right direction. Your lawyer may also help you recover the compensation you need.

If you’re struggling with psychological issues, the most obvious first step is to get an assessment from a mental health professional. It always makes sense to seek counseling and therapy for things like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other issues after a head injury.

In addition, mental health treatment creates a “paper trail” in your medical records that you can use as evidence at a later date. For example, your psychologist might diagnose you with PTSD after your slip-and-fall. This professional might even testify on your behalf during a trial. It makes sense to seek mental health treatment sooner rather than later.

You can also gather evidence on your own. A journal allows you to express your mental health challenges, and journaling is an effective type of mental health treatment in its own right. If you make your journal entries contemporaneously with the mental health struggles you experience, you can use these documents as evidence.

Speak with your lawyer to determine which type of evidence might be helpful for your unique case. Note that the defendant and their insurer might challenge the extent of your non-economic damages. Often, the insurer will request an independent mental health examination by a psychologist of their choosing.

What Are Some Examples of Non-Economic Damages After a Head Injury?

Aside from depression, anxiety, and PTSD, a head injury can lead to many other types of non-economic damages. One example is “loss of enjoyment of life.” This damage represents your inability to participate in the hobbies and pastimes you enjoyed prior to the accident. For example, you might have been an avid chess player prior to your accident. However, your brain injury may make this game impossible to play for the foreseeable future.

Can a Personal Injury Lawyer In Atlanta Help Me Get Compensation? 

If you’re struggling with legitimate non-economic damages as a result of your slip and fall in Atlanta, you should at least have the opportunity to assess your options alongside a legal professional. It should be easy to schedule a consultation with a lawyer and determine the most appropriate pathway toward compensation. Continue this conversation today alongside Morain & Buckelew, LLC.

Sources: 

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8935176/

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967