When you are involved in a traumatic event at work, understanding your rights is critical. Unfortunately, when you sustain a serious injury as a result of a work accident, you may develop a condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result. This can have a considerable impact on your mental state, in addition to the physical suffering you’re enduring. It’s important to understand that, under FELA, you can fight for compensation for mental anguish, along with your physical injuries. The following blog explores this condition in further detail and explains why working with a FELA lawyer is critical if this reflects your circumstances.
What Is PTSD and What Are the Symptoms?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can impact those who experience or witness an incredibly stressful, traumatic, or terrifying event. These events can include a wide array of situations, from car accidents and severe injuries to assault or abuse. It is not uncommon for railroad workers who experience traumatic events while on the job to receive a PTSD diagnosis following the event. Any time a worker is involved in an accident like a train crash, crush injury, slip and fall, amputation, or is hit by a train or other heavy machinery, they may develop PTSD as a result.
If you are involved in an accident at work and develop PTSD as a result, there are several symptoms you may experience. It’s important to remember that not everyone who is diagnosed with this disorder will have the same symptoms. Regardless, the following are common for those with PTSD:
- Vivid flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Changes in mood
- Intrusive or obsessive thoughts
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Avoiding situations that reflect the accident you were involved in
- Withdrawing from friends and family
Can I Seek Compensation for Mental Suffering Under FELA?
PTSD can have a considerable impact on your life, as it can often be debilitating. If you have reason to believe that your accident was the result of an unsafe work condition, understanding your rights is critical. As long as the railroad was at least partially responsible for the accident you were involved in, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages, both physical and mental, under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). However, there is an important distinction that prevents a person from recovering for ONLY emotional damages if they are not in a “zone of danger.” The “zone of danger” is a very particular legal definition, and an experienced railroad attorney can assist you in determining if you fit within this definition.
Filing a FELA claim is an incredibly important step in the fight for justice. However, the process itself can also be confusing and overwhelming. Additionally, calculating the non-economic damages you’ve sustained can be challenging. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced FELA attorney.
At Doran & Murphy, we understand that enduring serious injuries from an accident can have a devastating impact on your life. That’s why our team is committed to doing everything possible to help you fight for the justice you deserve. When you are hurt, contact us today to learn how we can assist you during these difficult legal matters.
