Depression & Psychological Illness After an Injury
Psychological illness is a very real and often overlooked consequence of personal injury. Following a serious accident, many people not only face physical challenges but also develop depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological conditions. In some cases, mental health struggles are the primary injury.
For many clients, these are the hardest injuries to talk about. Feelings of depression, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating, or the inability to manage day-to-day life are deeply personal. Yet they are also among the most common and lasting effects of trauma.
At Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l., our Ottawa personal injury lawyers understand the sensitive nature of psychological illness. We help clients navigate these claims with both compassion and experience.
How Depression and Psychological Illness Develop After Injury
• Linked to physical injuries: Most people who suffer a serious physical injury also experience some level of depression or anxiety. It is rare that we see a serious injury claim without a psychological component.
• Often overlooked: Clients are usually focused on their physical recovery, surgeries, rehabilitation, or returning to work, and may ignore their psychological health for months or even years.
• Impact on families: Psychological injuries affect not only the individual but also their family members, who may need support and guidance as well.
Our role as your lawyers is not only to protect your legal rights but also to create a safe environment where you can share what you’re going through. By addressing both the physical and psychological consequences of your injury, we can build a stronger, more complete claim on your behalf.
Why Choosing the Right Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
When you pursue a claim involving psychological illness, you are entering into what can be a long-term relationship with your lawyer. These cases may take months or years to resolve. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a legal team you can trust.
At Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l., we provide:
• Extensive experience: Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling complex claims involving both physical and psychological injuries.
• Compassionate support: We understand how difficult it is to discuss depression and anxiety. Our team creates a respectful and supportive environment for clients and their families.
• Proven results: We have helped clients across Ottawa and Ontario recover the compensation they need to access treatment, cover lost income, and move forward.
• Personalized care: Every case is unique. We take the time to understand your circumstances and tailor our legal strategy to your specific needs.
Choosing the right lawyer is about more than just legal expertise, it’s about knowing you’ll be heard, respected, and supported throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make a personal injury claim for depression or anxiety alone?
A: Yes. Psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can form the basis of a personal injury claim, even if you did not suffer a significant physical injury.
Q: How do I prove that my psychological illness is linked to my accident or injury?
A: Medical records, assessments from psychologists or psychiatrists, and testimony from your healthcare providers play a key role. Our team works with experts to establish the connection between your accident and your mental health challenges.
Q: Will compensation cover therapy or counselling?
A: Yes. Compensation for psychological injuries may include the cost of therapy, counselling, medication, and other treatment expenses, as well as lost income and damages for pain and suffering.
Q: How long does a psychological injury claim take to resolve?
A: Every case is different. Some claims may resolve in a matter of months, while others take several years, depending on the severity of the illness, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter goes to trial.
