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Being involved in an accident, whether it’s a road traffic accident, accident at work, or accident in a public place, can be traumatic. But the full impact of this trauma may not be immediately apparent; it can often take some time to manifest into a psychological condition.

While broken bones and physical injuries can usually be quickly identified and treated by medical professionals, the psychological impact of an accident can be harder to detect. However given the toll it can take on a person’s life in the long term, it is equally important to seek medical attention for any mental health conditions that develop after an accident.

Solicitor Elaine Hickey has been working with people who have been injured in accidents for over 20 years and says psychological trauma can have a profound effect on an individual’s quality of life.

“The psychiatric effects of a serious injury can be quite significant,” explains Elaine. “The Courts recognise this and will factor psychiatric damage into compensation calculations for a personal injury case. However, any condition that is being claimed for must be medically recognised and there should be medical evidence to back up the effects of that condition,” she says.

Elaine says that she regularly deals with clients who have been medically diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from accidents.

The HSE lists serious road collisions as one of the common causes of PTSD. While Anxiety Ireland states that ‘PTSD is a type of anxiety that arises after an event that could have put your life in danger’.

But Elaine says it’s not just PTSD from an accident that can have impact; if an injury limits someone’s ability to take part in the activities they did before the accident, their overall mental health could be affected.

“I see it all the time with clients, and I find it quite sad to see someone who was previously active, become unable to do activities they used to love,” she says. “For example, if a person is no longer able to look after their children, drive, or take part in sports. Or maybe they are no longer able to do everyday jobs around the house like they used to, because their injury is stopping them from doing these things. These kinds of lifestyle changes can have an impact on mental health and lead to conditions like depression.”

Recognising signs of psychological trauma

If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health symptoms after an accident, especially if they last more than a few weeks or worsen over time, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early intervention in mental health conditions can make a big difference.

If you are taking a personal injury case, it is also vital that you have medical evidence of your psychological condition; medical reports are an essential part of your case.

Here are some of the common symptoms of psychological trauma to be aware of if you have been involved in an accident:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This may include recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or intense distress when reminded of the accident.
• Anxiety and panic attacks: anxiety symptoms can include constant worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
• Depression: Persistent sadness, withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating are all signs of depression.

How the Courts assess psychological injuries in Ireland

Under Irish personal injury law, compensation can be awarded for ‘pain and suffering’, which includes psychological trauma. The Personal Injuries Guidelines published by the Judicial Council help Courts determine the value of these claims.

Some of the factors that Courts consider include:

• the nature and severity of the psychological injury
• duration of symptoms and whether they are likely to persist in the long term
• impact on work, relationships, and quality of life
• medical evidence from GPs, psychologists, or psychiatrists.

For example, a person diagnosed with PTSD after a serious car accident may be awarded compensation based on the severity of their symptoms and expected duration of their condition.

What to do if you’re struggling emotionally after an accident

1. Seek medical attention: Consult your GP or a mental health professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above.
2. Keep records: Write down how you’re feeling day-to-day. Take note of symptoms, medical appointments, and how your life has been affected (work, relationships, sleep, ability to do everyday tasks, etc.).
3. Talk to a personal injury solicitor: Psychological injuries are valid grounds for compensation. A solicitor experienced in personal injury claims can advise you on your rights and next steps.