Amputation is an injury involving loss of function, loss of sensation, and loss of body image. It is not surprising amputees often suffer psychological difficulties following such an event. Further, these psychological difficulties can also result in long term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for the amputee. Often these psychological injuries and resultant PTSD can be difficult to explain to a jury. The forensic expert’s presentation of psychological testing assessing potential PTSD is one part of proving or disproving damages. However, the forensic expert can … [Read more...]
Case Study: Evaluating Psychological Injuries In Burn Victims
Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are the most common psychological responses to severe burn injuries. Those who develop PTSD as a result of such injuries become highly susceptible to long term depression and anxiety. In addition to burns being sudden, unexpected life-threatening experiences, burn injuries also involve extremely painful and intrusive medical procedures. The procedures alone can be traumatic. Disfigurement can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD because of the likelihood of flashbacks about the injury. Greater disfigurement also has a greater … [Read more...]