Why Mental Health Matters In Personal Injury Cases

When most people think of personal injury law, they immediately picture visible physical injuries—broken bones, bruises, or hospital visits. But what often goes unseen can be just as damaging: the mental and emotional toll of the accident.

Whether it’s a car crash, ATV incident, or a fall at the gym, survivors often face not only physical pain but also long-term psychological trauma. At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we believe it’s critical to recognize and validate mental health injuries in personal injury claims—and fight to get our clients the support they need to heal completely.

The Psychological Impact Of A Serious Accident

After a traumatic event, it’s common to experience a range of emotional responses. But when those reactions disrupt your daily life, they could signal something more serious.

PTSD After A Car Crash

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most recognized emotional responses after a serious accident. It’s not limited to veterans or combat survivors—many personal injury victims develop PTSD after traumatic experiences like car wrecks, near-death experiences, or violent collisions.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 30% of motor vehicle crash survivors experience PTSD. Symptoms might include:

Intrusive flashbacks or nightmares
Avoidance of driving or riding in a car
Heightened anxiety or panic
Trouble concentrating or sleeping
Emotional numbness or detachment

If untreated, PTSD can significantly interfere with your quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.

Anxiety, Panic, And Adjustment Disorders

Not all psychological trauma rises to the level of PTSD—but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

Many people suffer from adjustment disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic attacks after a serious injury. These conditions are often triggered by:

The stress of the accident and recovery process
Loss of independence or mobility
Financial strain due to medical bills or time off work
Fear of re-injury

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition, many of which are triggered or worsened by trauma.

Symptoms may include:

Restlessness or irritability
Racing thoughts or uncontrollable worry
Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
Avoidance of social or public settings
Feeling helpless or overwhelmed

Early treatment and emotional support are crucial for recovery.

Witnessing A Loved One’s Injury: The Hidden Trauma

In addition to experiencing trauma from your own injuries, you can also suffer mental health consequences from witnessing someone else’s harm—especially a close friend or family member.

This is called secondary trauma, and although it’s harder to prove in court, it’s very real. For example, watching your child get hit by a car or seeing your spouse severely injured in an accident can lead to:

Emotional distress
Survivor’s guilt
Depression or PTSD
A deep sense of helplessness

While emotional damages in these cases can be more complex to pursue legally, they may be compensable in catastrophic injury cases where the trauma is severe and well documented.

Mental Health Injuries Can Last Longer Than Physical Ones

Unlike many physical injuries that gradually heal over weeks or months, mental health injuries often persist indefinitely—especially if left untreated.

A study from the Mayo Clinic points out that chronic anxiety and trauma-based disorders can affect sleep, cardiovascular health, digestion, and immune system function. That means the effects of an accident aren’t just “in your head”—they can impact your entire body.

It’s important to treat mental health care as seriously as physical rehabilitation. This includes:

Seeking therapy or counseling
Taking prescribed medications
Engaging in mindfulness, support groups, or trauma-informed care
Communicating openly with our Tampa, FL personal injury lawyer about your emotional health

The Legal Side: Can You Be Compensated For Mental Health Damages?

Yes, absolutely.

Florida law allows injury victims to pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering, including emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. In order to build a strong case for these damages, documentation is key.

You should:

Keep a journal of your emotional symptoms
Attend all recommended therapy sessions
Obtain mental health evaluations or diagnoses
Share how your injury has impacted your daily life, relationships, and career

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we work with medical professionals and trauma experts to help prove the full scope of your damages—not just the ones visible to the eye.

Where Accidents Happen: Gyms, ATVs, And The Open Road

Some of the most emotionally traumatic accidents happen in unexpected places—like the gym or while out for a joyride on an ATV. These environments are associated with health and recreation, which can make a serious injury all the more devastating.

If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence—like faulty gym equipment, a reckless ATV rider, or a distracted driver—you may be entitled to compensation not only for your physical recovery, but also for the emotional trauma that followed.

And remember: you don’t have to “look injured” to be injured. If you’re struggling emotionally, mentally, or psychologically, your suffering matters—and we’re here to fight for it.

You Deserve Full Support—Mind And Body

If you’ve been involved in a serious accident—whether in a car, on an ATV, or even at the gym—don’t overlook your emotional well-being. Even if your physical injuries are healing, untreated mental health symptoms can lead to lasting harm.

Let us help. At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we believe that justice means full recovery—and that includes your peace of mind. Our compassionate attorneys understand the toll these injuries take, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Call us today at (813) 871-1300 or schedule your free consultation online. Let’s talk about your experience—and how we can help you move forward.