We often hear about PTSD affecting soldiers or crime victims, but the reality is that it can also affect victims of medical malpractice. In fact, a medical professional’s mistake can cause severe psychological problems for patients. If you or someone close to you has been seriously affected psychologically following a medical mistake, you need to contact an experienced Rochester medical malpractice attorney. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to treating you and your family with the compassion you deserve, while advocating for your rights every step of the way.
While medical malpractice can lead to serious physical harm, in some cases malpractice can also cause severe psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medical malpractice refers to an act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient. For example, when a medical professional’s act or omission causes the patient to wake up during surgery, that patient may develop PTSD.
The Mayo clinic defines PTSD as a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. PTSD Symptoms generally include nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety as well as ongoing intrusive and distressing thoughts about the events. While anyone who goes through a traumatic event will experience some distress and difficulty, they typically improve with time. However, people who have PTSD often feel extremely stressed even though they are no longer in danger. When symptoms continue to get worse over a prolonged period of time and interfere with a person’s ability to complete day-to-day life, that person may have PTSD.
There are no standard tests to diagnose a person with PTSD. However, your doctor and/or psychologist can help determine whether you are suffering from the disorder. This may require a series of tests and evaluations.
Determining the financial value of PTSD injuries can be challenging. Since there is no set formula for this, the jury may consider the following factors: the effects of the malpractice on the person’s health and overall well-being (i.e., disfigurement, paralysis, scarring, pain and suffering, etc.); how these things have interfered with the patient’s ability to work and enjoy a normal life; and what type of physical and emotional care the patient will need in the future. We will meticulously analyze every aspect of your case to come up with an appropriate dollar amount for damages. The calculation typically takes into account medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost income, cost of future care and more.
If a medical professional’s negligence caused you to develop PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Rochester medical malpractice attorneys understand how to navigate even the most complex malpractice cases. We understand dealing with a medical injury can be incredibly stressful, which is why we will handle your case with the utmost compassion. Call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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