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Ottawa PTSD Lawyer

Being involved in a serious accident in Ottawa can have a wide range of effects on your life. This includes taking an emotional toll on you as a survivor and potentially causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PTSD after an accident, the team of Ottawa personal injury lawyers at SG Injury Law can help you seek justice and financial compensation.

Why Choose SG Injury Law for Your PTSD Case?

What Is PTSD? What Are the Symptoms?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition often seen in people who witness or experience traumatic events. It is a form of psychological trauma that can cause symptoms such as chronic anxiety, flashbacks, nervousness, phobias, recurring nightmares, trouble sleeping, intrusive memories, mood swings, behavioural changes, loss of interest in favourite activities and depression. It can also have physical symptoms, such as dizziness, heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

What Are Common Causes of PTSD? 

Post-traumatic stress disorder can result from many traumatic or near-death experiences in Ottawa, such as:

If the incident that gave you PTSD was preventable, you may be entitled to financial benefits from the at-fault party.

Can You File a Lawsuit for PTSD in Ottawa? 

The civil justice system in Ontario permits accident victims to seek financial compensation for mental anguish, emotional trauma and psychological distress caused by an avoidable accident or act of violence in addition to physical injuries. A compensatory award can cover the intangible effects of an accident on a victim, including mental health disorders such as PTSD. 

There are two main types of damages available in a personal injury case in Ottawa: pecuniary and non-pecuniary. Pecuniary damages are demonstrable economic losses, such as the financial toll of an accident and injury on you and your family. Non-pecuniary damages reimburse a victim for the non-monetary losses associated with an accident, such as PTSD and psychological trauma.

To be eligible for compensation for PTSD, you must show that your condition has resulted in a “serious and permanent impairment of an important physical, psychological or mental function.” A lawyer can help you prove your PTSD claim using evidence such as medical records, an official PTSD diagnosis from a psychiatrist, your injury journal, and testimony from friends and family who noticed a change.

Limits on PTSD Damages 

In Canada, the damages or financial compensation available for pain and suffering – which includes PTSD and psychiatric disorders – are limited. As of July 2022, non-pecuniary damages are limited to a cap of $436,182. This amount fluctuates monthly based on the rate of inflation. There is a deductible of $41,503.50 that may apply to your case in the Ontario court, as well, unless your pain and suffering award reaches at least $138,343,86. If your award does not exceed the deductible, you will not receive any non-pecuniary damages.

Consult With a PTSD Lawyer in Ottawa Today

Post-traumatic stress disorder can make the trauma of a frightening experience last much longer than the accident itself. At SG Injury Law, our Ottawa personal injury lawyers can help you file a claim for PTSD to pursue justice for this life-altering condition. We can help you overcome the challenges and barriers you might face with this type of claim, significantly increasing your odds of recovering financial compensation. Call (613) 704-5543 or tell us your story today and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.