Emotional Sequelae of Injuries

Most lawyers have an understanding of the cost of physical injury to the client in terms of future earnings, physical rehabilitation, and medical care. Few understand the costs of psychological trauma. Many clients are overwhelmed by their physical injury and may have difficulty adjusting. This may affect their work productivity or their personal life. Others, particularly those whose lives have been threatened by injury, are susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a particularly disabling psychological disability that makes it difficult to function both in the home and work environments. A psychological examination is used to examine the range and extent of difficulties in the functioning and projected costs for remediation. Pain and suffering may also be a legal issue. The psychologist’s expert witness is prepared to report how injuries affect quality of life.